For Dubai-based philatelist Imtiaz Qureshi, a postage stamp is far more than a piece of paper. His collection, built over 35 years, includes stamps made from wood, leather, silk, and even seeds. On the eve of World Post Day, the Indian expatriate showcased a treasure trove that spans more than 150 countries and incorporates everything from Braille and embroidery to precious metals and NFTs.
Qureshi, who hails from Kasaragod in Kerala, has sought out some of the world’s most innovative postal issues. “Some stamps feature Braille embossing, embroidery and fragrance,” he explained. “Others are adorned with Swarovski crystals from Austria, gold, silver and platinum from the UAE and diamond from Portugal.”
His collection also embraces modern technology, with 3D motion stamps and crypto-themed issues that feature QR codes.
A Collection of Curiosities
Among the most unusual items are a souvenir sheet from the UAE containing a Ghaf tree seed, a Thai stamp with an unhusked rice seed, and a unique Austrian stamp made from recycled postmen’s uniforms. Qureshi also owns wooden stamps from Spain and Morocco, a leather stamp from Spain, and the world’s longest usable postage stamp, issued by the Philippines.
His scented stamps, while many have lost their aroma over time, point to a creative period in philately. The collection includes a chocolate-scented stamp from Liberia, a gahwa (Arabic coffee) stamp from the UAE, and varieties from India and Saudi Arabia infused with the fragrance of jasmine, rose, and oud.
A Commitment to the UAE
A resident of the UAE for over 20 years, Qureshi has made it a personal mission to collect every stamp and miniature sheet issued by Emirates Post since 1973. His local collection is extensive, featuring all definitive coins and 41 different one-dirham commemorative coins.
A highlight is his set of Expo 2020 Dubai passports, which bear stamps from all 192 participating nations. To mark the UAE’s 50th National Day, he created a 16kg portrait of the nation’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, using around 2,500 coins from the UAE and India to symbolise the friendship between the two countries.
A Lifelong Pursuit
Qureshi’s interest began at age 12 when his grandfather gifted him a stamp album. That small gesture ignited a lifelong dedication. His collection now includes historic items such as stamps from over 20 Indian Princely States dating back to 1850 and British India stamps that were overprinted for use in countries like Pakistan and Bahrain.
Acquiring rare items has required significant investment, with some stamps costing 100 times their face value. His most expensive piece is the UAE’s 50th-anniversary NFT stamp, which came with a one-gram gold bar and was priced at Dh2,021.
He acknowledges the challenges in keeping the hobby alive. “Now there are fewer chances for kids to see stamps, and hence it is difficult to spark that initial interest,” he said. Still, he hopes to pass his collection on, adding, “Each stamp tells a story. Learning about stamps helps you learn about history.”
