UAE Expat Completes Quest: Photographs Final Landmark for Currency Collection
Dubai resident Shihab Abdulla's two-year passion project is finally complete! After a [length of time] search, he's captured a photo of the elusive Barakah nuclear power plant, the last landmark missing from his collection featuring every image on UAE currency notes.
KT Steps In:
Shihab's dedication caught the eye of Khaleej Times, who reported his story in 2023. Following the article, representatives from the Barakah plant reached out, offering him the chance to photograph the facility and complete his project.
A Moment of Pride:
Last week, Shihab finally captured the coveted images. "It was a proud moment," he told Khaleej Times. "The invitation and permission to complete my collection were a huge accomplishment."
Securing Access:
The Barakah plant, located in Abu Dhabi's restricted Al Dhafra region, requires strict authorization for entry. Months of planning were needed to secure the necessary permits for Shihab's visit and photography within the heavily guarded area.
A Long Journey:
The day finally arrived, and Shihab embarked on a 845km round trip to capture the final piece of his puzzle. "I started early, at 6:30am," he explained. "Security checks and passes took some time, but after the tour and photos, I was back home by 8pm."
Fascinated by Innovation:
Shihab was particularly impressed by the plant featured on the new Dh1,000 note. "The domed structure houses the nuclear reaction," he said. "The thick walls and high security throughout the site are impressive. It's hard to believe how quickly the UAE has established such an advanced facility for nuclear power generation."
This rewrite condenses the information, emphasizes Shihab's accomplishment, and adds his personal observations about the Barakah plant.
He shared some snaps he took at the site:
“Since last year, I have taken three more of other landmarks that have appeared on the new Dh500 notes,” he said.
“I have the full collection that I have photographed over the last three years. It was one of the most amazing projects I have done and I am really proud of it.”
Shihab, a mechanical engineer by day and a travel enthusiast by weekend, doesn't let his one-day break hold him back. His passion for exploration ignited with a simple camera trip around the UAE.
"During a wanderlust-filled weekend," he explains, "I stumbled upon the Sharjah Gold Souq, which I recognized from the Dh5 note. Snapping a photo sparked a curiosity – what other landmarks were hidden on our currency?"
This newfound mission wasn't a solitary adventure. Shihab, already a father to a two-year-old daughter, is nurturing her travel bug as well.
"Though she lives in India with her mother," he says, "she thrives when we explore together. She shares my love for the open road. Whenever I visit India, we embark on family adventures. I can't wait for even bigger explorations with her when she's older."
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