This issue was prepared but never officially released in the UAE. The cancellation came because the stamps did not arrive from the printer, Harrison and Sons Ltd., in time for the event. Despite this, the stamps inadvertently made their way to the philatelic world when the Crown Agents in the UK placed them on sale before receiving the UAE’s notification of cancellation.
As a result, these stamps were never used in postal services within the UAE, and their circulation remains limited to collectors who acquired them through Crown Agents or secondary markets.
Philatelic Significance
This set is an excellent example of how logistical challenges can create unexpected rarities in the philatelic world. The stamps’ striking designs and their story of cancellation add to their appeal, making them a sought-after addition to UAE collections.
If you’re lucky enough to come across these stamps, they serve as a reminder of the intricate history behind each postal issue, from the artist’s desk to the collector’s album.
United Arab Emirates – 1975: A Rare Commemorative Set
The 1975 Second Gulf Long Distance Swimming Championship stamp set from the UAE holds a unique position in the country’s philatelic history. While the stamps were originally intended to celebrate the Gulf region’s spirit of sportsmanship and unity, they never officially entered circulation in the UAE, adding a layer of intrigue to their backstory.
The Stamps in Detail
Design and Denominations
- 10 Fils
- This stamp prominently features the championship’s official emblem, incorporating traditional Gulf colors—red, green, black, and white. These colors are symbolic of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, tying the event to regional unity and pride. The central medallion portrays a swimmer in motion, encapsulating the dynamism of the sport.
- 75 Fils
- The second stamp in the set highlights the swimmers themselves, shown cutting through the water with determination. Above them, the flags of the GCC member nations flutter in unison, symbolizing the shared camaraderie and competitive spirit of the Gulf countries.
- 2 Dirhams
- The highest denomination features an even more detailed swimming scene, emphasizing the endurance and energy required for long-distance swimming. The vivid colors and artistic detail bring the sport to life, making this stamp a true testament to the event it was meant to commemorate.
Why Were the Stamps Never Issued?
The story of these stamps’ cancellation is a mix of logistical oversight and timing. The UAE had commissioned Harrison and Sons Ltd., a renowned British printer, to produce the stamps. However, the delivery did not arrive in time for the event. Before the UAE could officially cancel the issue, Crown Agents, acting on their usual practice, placed the stamps on sale in the UK for collectors.
This unplanned sale turned the stamps into instant curiosities. Although they never saw postal use in the UAE, their limited availability has made them a sought-after collectible for philatelists focusing on GCC postal history or rare unissued stamps.
Rarity and Collectability
These stamps are a unique anomaly in UAE philately. While unissued stamps are not uncommon in the philatelic world, their stories often vary, ranging from political controversies to logistical errors. In this case, the stamps were completed but missed their window of relevance. This makes them particularly intriguing, as they were designed with care, printed, and even distributed—just not in the way intended.
Collectors prize this set not just for its scarcity but also for its beautiful designs and the historical narrative behind it. The stamps provide a fascinating glimpse into a time when the UAE was still developing its identity on the world stage, and its postal issues reflected a growing sense of regional pride.
Key Takeaways
- Unusual Status: These stamps were neither officially issued nor invalidated in the UAE, existing in a gray area of philately.
- Artistic Merit: The design, showcasing swimming, Gulf unity, and cultural pride, makes the stamps stand out among others from the same era.
- Philatelic Significance: Their accidental release via Crown Agents adds an international dimension to their story, broadening their appeal.