Saniya Anjum/Bengaluru

A young photographer flying in a helicopter frames the skeletal rise of what would become the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and captures Dubai's evolving skyline to chronicle the metamorphosis of a desert into one of the world’s most happening and livable cities.

This is the remarkable journey of Mushtaq Ahmed, 79, a visionary expatriate who worked to capture Dubai's golden era while preserving its soul through his camera lens.

Mushtaq Ahmed wielded his lens to capture fleeting moments in history. From capturing Dubai’s rise to Islam's sacred sites and royal legacies, his story as a changemaker reveals how one man’s passion captured a nation’s ascent from sand to skylines.

Born in Bengaluru, Mushtaq Ahmed was pulled by the promise of opportunity in the UAE and arrived there as a young man.

He worked as the head of the Dubai Police's photography department for 41 years till his retirement as the first warrant officer in 2018. During this period, Mushtaq's work involved documenting the heartbeat of a city while it rose from dunes to skyscrapers.

His work bridged cultures, from the sacred sites of Mecca and Medina to the bustling transformation of Dubai, making him a silent witness to history.

Mushtaq fell in love with photography early in his life, but it was in Dubai where his art flourished. Joining the Dubai Police, he rose to lead the photography department, travelling the world—from Australia to learn advanced techniques—to bring cutting-edge innovation back home.

"It was a wonderful experience working with Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim and Lt-Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri," he recalls, crediting their leadership for elevating the UAE's tech prowess. His lens captured the essence of progress, turning everyday duties into archival treasures.

One of Mushtaq's most profound achievements was photographing the holy sites of Islam. Using a crane to capture the Kaaba in Mecca and the serene beauty of Medina, he preserved "rare and soul-stirring moments" that adorn walls in Muslim homes worldwide.

"When I first captured the Kaaba and Medina through my camera, it was an indescribable feeling—a blend of reverence and awe," he said. These images, taken with deep respect, have inspired generations, making him the "fortunate photographer" many wonder about.

Mushtaq's path intertwined with the UAE's legendary leaders. He closely observed Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, noting his profound simplicity and humanity: "The first time I saw him up close, I was struck by his warmth and vision—he was a father figure to the nation."

Similarly, with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mushtaq captured their essence in candid moments. "As humans, they embodied humility amid power," he reflects. These encounters weren't just professional; they were lessons in leadership and grace.

A pinnacle of Mushtaq's career was photographing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's wedding in 1979—a grand event filled with festivities. Amid international journalists, Mushtaq boldly requested the Ruler to step out of his vehicle for photos. "He looked at me and asked, 'Are you saying I should get out?' I nodded, and he graciously obliged," Mushtaq recounts.

Witnessing Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid join the celebrations revealed their jovial sides, turning the occasion into a cherished memory of unity and joy.

In the 1970s, he captured the Clock Tower before the Maktoum Bridge existed, and in the 1980s, he photographed the Dubai World Trade Centre from a helicopter, pre-Sheikh Zayed Road.

His 2014 shot of the Burj Khalifa remains a favourite: "It symbolised Dubai's leap from dunes to global icon." He also documented the Expo bid win, standing beside Sheikh Mohammed in triumph. "The biggest change? From humble dunes to the technologically advanced hub—the vision of our leaders made it possible."

As head of the photography department, Mushtaq's greatest pride lies in preserving the UAE's history. "From desert oasis to cosmopolitan marvel, I've seen it all," he says. Recently honoured by Dubai Police in a surprise ceremony—hugged and kissed on the forehead by Col Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Sadi—Mushtaq was overwhelmed: "It was an emotional moment; rare for a retiree." Six departments felicitated him upon retirement, underscoring his indelible impact.

Mushtaq's wife and seven children were his biggest support throughout his career, for they endured his demanding schedule without complaining. "They understood my love for capturing history," he said.

Mushtaq's photos have been featured in exhibitions across the UAE; many have been transformed into paintings. His work, from rare UAE moments to the Expo victory, has been integral to archiving Dubai's story. A collage of him with three Dubai Rulers—Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Maktoum, and Sheikh Mohammed—epitomises his proximity to power.

Sharing his experiences of travelling, Mushtaq says he was touched by the kindness of strangers in Japan. A young station attendant carried ramps and arranged lifts to make his wheelchair journey smooth, while a rickshaw puller in Kyoto gave a gracious ride yet politely refused any extra reward, saying heartfelt appreciation was enough.

 These humble gestures, where ordinary people sought nothing in return, left a lasting impression on him and reminded him that true hospitality often comes in the smallest, most unassuming forms.

Mushtaq's secret mantra: "A successful image captures emotion and tells a story eternally." 

His advice for Aspiring Photographers:

Be Patient: Wait for the perfect moment to unfold.

Observe Deeply: See beyond the surface to uncover hidden narratives.

Let Your Lens Reflect the Soul: Technology may change, but true vision endures forever.

And his golden rule: Before capturing the picture, it must first be framed in your mind." 

If granted one chance to recapture a life's highlight, Mushtaq chooses Sheikh Mohammed's wedding: "That lively union of leaders and joy—it encapsulated UAE's spirit."

Beyond the realms of royalty and architecture, Mushtaq Ahmed's lens and life intersected with icons of Indian and Pakistani entertainment, creating memories as vivid as his photographs. He had the privilege of meeting legendary figures like Gulzar, Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood, the silken-voiced maestro; Dilip Kumar, the tragedy king of Bollywood and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the Sufi sensation.

These encounters, often during cultural events or personal milestones, allowed Mushtaq to capture not just images but the essence of their artistry—conversations filled with humility, passion, and shared stories that bridged cultures and continents.

Mushtaq's journey also brought him face-to-face with revered military leaders. He met General Raina, a stalwart of the Indian Army known for his strategic brilliance, and other generals whose leadership shaped post-independence defence. Most notably, his encounter with Field Marshal KM Cariappa—the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army—left an indelible mark.

Cariappa, a distinguished military leader pivotal in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, oversaw the fair division of the British Indian Army during Partition. "Meeting such a figure was like touching history itself," Mushtaq reflects, his photographs preserving the dignity and resolve of these heroes who built nations from the ashes of conflict.

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When asked about his most cherished photograph, Mushtaq Ahmed humbly replies that it's "yet to come"—a testament to his enduring passion, reminding us that true artists never stop envisioning the next masterpiece in a life of endless frames.