Emirates Post to issue commemorative stamps for Annual Meetings

The stamps are in the denominations of 50 Fils, 175 Fils, 275 Fils and 375 Fils, while the souvenir sheet is priced at Dhs. 5.

Besides featuring the logo of Dubai 2003, the stamps portray striking images of UAE landmarks to reflect the dramatic development achieved by the country as well as traditional images that celebrate the UAE's pride in its heritage and culture.

Ibrahim Belselah, General Coordinator, Dubai 2003, said, "The issue of these stamps is a great way to commemorate the Annual Meetings. Issuing commemorative stamps are reserved for extremely important events that have a lasting impact. The benefits of the Annual Meetings in September are going to change this place forever. Emirates Post could not have chosen a better event to celebrate, the first of its kind in the entire Arab world."

Mr. Abdullah Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post, said: "Emirates Post strongly believes that it responsibility goes beyond offering postal services. We have a responsibility to support national and global events hosted by the UAE. An event like Dubai 2003 deserves all the support we can provide, because this is the first time that such a major convention is being hosted by an Arab country. As a federal corporation, Emirates feels proud and honoured that our country is hosting this global gathering of financial planners and policy-makers. We are equally proud that this is one of the several major events hosted or organized by our country under the wise and progressive direction and vision of our leaders.

Emirates Post has been issuing stamps on a regular basis to commemorate major events in the political, economic, social and cultural fields, as part of our commitment to preservation of UAE's culture and heritage, and we feel all sectors should share this noble national duty. I am positive the new stamps issued to commemorate the hosting of Dubai 2003 on the UAE soil will project a progressive image of our country and enhance our standing as a world-class venue for international conventions."

The four stamps carry the images of a traditional Dhow (Arabian boat), a Mosque, a falcon and the world-famous Dubai skyscraper, The Emirates Towers, apart from the Dubai 2003 logo on each stamp.

The first stamp depicts the modern face of Dubai through a dramatic picture of the Emirates Towers Hotel and Office Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the most striking landmarks of Dubai that is visible from almost any part of the city. The tallest twin towers in Dubai, with their unique and bold architecture, are rivalled by very few in the world.

The second stamp carries the image of the falcon, the most enduring symbol of the UAE people's pride and power. The falcon has been used for centuries by the UAE people for hunting. Falconry is one of the most popular traditional sports.

The third stamp depicts mosque architecture at its best, with its spectacular turrets and the ornate Islamic style designs on the imposing dome. It symbolises UAE's commitment to preservation of the traditional architecture, cultural and Islamic heritage.

The fourth stamp bears the image of a dhow, the sturdy traditional sea-going vessel of the UAE people. The dhow reflects pearl-diving activity and the well-developed shipbuilding industry of the UAE.

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. The UAE and Dubai were selected because of their highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.