Shihab Abdulla compiles a unique collection of photographs

A Dubai resident Shihab Abdulla has finally managed to assemble a complete collection of photos of landmarks depicted on UAE banknotes. For two years, he took photos of all the sites except one – the Barakah nuclear power station.

After a media report on Shihab’s predicament was published, the lucky man received a personal invitation from the station’s representatives to complete the collection. “It was a great moment,” he said, “The fact that I was invited to the nuclear plant and allowed to take a photograph was just incredible.

It’s worth noting that the Barakah power plant is located in the Al Dhafra neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi, and entry is strictly limited. So Shihab’s request to visit went through a lengthy bureaucratic process that resulted in permission to not only enter, but also to take photos in the heavily guarded area.

Shihab was thrilled to visit the nuclear plant, which is featured on the new AED 1,000 note. “The dome-shaped structure is where the nuclear reaction takes place,” he said, “All the walls are of a certain thickness and the area is superbly guarded and kept in good order. It is hard to believe that a young country like the UAE has created such an impressive facility to produce nuclear energy.”

Along with a photo of the plant, Shihab now has all 23 landmarks featured on UAE currency notes. “Since last year, I have taken three more pictures of other landmarks that appear on the new AED 500 notes,” he said, “I now have the entire collection that I have been collecting over the past three years. It was one of the most amazing projects I’ve done and I’m very proud of it.”

Source: Khaleej Times

Follow our Telegram Chanel