Indian expat makes history as UAE issues stamps featuring his designs

Muhammad Bilal, a 28-year-old Indian designer at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), has become the first Indian expatriate to have his artwork featured on official UAE commemorative stamps. Emirates Post issued the six-stamp collection on Wednesday, 9 September, in collaboration with SIH to mark the 23rd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days. Commemorating Sharjah Heritage Days The stamp collection is based on the festival’s 2026 theme, "The Glow of Authenticity." Bilal, originally from Kerala, created the visual identity for the festival, which took place from 4 February to 15 February in the Heart of Sharjah district. The designs selected for the stamps include the 'Cannon of Joy', 'Spirit of Authenticity', 'Joy of Return', 'Light of the Path', 'Blessing of the Home', and 'Steps for the Future'. Bilal confirmed he was unaware his work had been selected for the postal issue until he was notified by SIH officials. The senior designer used a combination of original photography and images from institute archives to develop the visual branding, which has also been featured on billboards across the emirate and on marine route maps for Sharjah’s waterways. Cultural impact and recognition The issuance of these stamps marks a transition for Bilal’s work from temporary festival branding to a permanent national archive. Nadia Al Sahlawi, Head of Marketing at SIH, stated that Bilal’s work has consistently resonated with audiences and captured the essence of the festival, which this…