Autographed photo collection

Get to know Khalid Naeem, a Dubai-based collector
of autographed photos of world leaders.

I give people a few minutes to try and recall recent world news before I tell them that all of these famous personalities have one thing in common: they've all sent me letters!

People rarely believe I've got so many signed photos from dozens of the world's most influential people – and am in the process of getting more!

In the beginning

I started this hobby just over a year ago. One of my friends was visiting Dubai at the time and told me he had collected more than 150 autographs since the late '80s. I spoke to him about an idea to get a president's autograph on his or her photo.

He wasn't too keen, but I was. A few months later, I decided to give it a shot.No one expected it to work. My friends and family thought I was a little crazy. "Who will send someone a signed letter in the mail?" they teased. To be honest, I wasn't too sure either! But I had to at least try.

So I wrote a letter and mailed it to Finland. My family and I really didn't expect too much. Lo and behold, in came an envelope postmarked from Finland: it had worked! President Tarja Halonen replied and my collection had begun.

Since then, I've got my entire collection by post. I send letters to the various head offices and wait. I've learnt that offices of world leaders are pretty efficient when it comes to processing fan mail. Usually it is only a matter of a few weeks before I get a reply, and more often than not, I receive something.

Once I'm finished, I intend to publish a book with cultural and historical information on each country. Sort of like a travel book for extraterrestrial visitors – in case potential creatures on Mars are as curious about creatures on Earth as we are about them!

In all seriousness, I hope the book generates a unique, accessible tool to promote equality and harmony. My hobby has no political agenda. I simply wish to create a printed document that contains every country and every leader. Maybe then we can find ourselves "on the same page".

Better letters

With one or two exceptions, each letter I submit receives a reply, however, they're not always exactly what I hope for. I wrote a letter to the Queen of England, but I didn't receive an autographed photo.

Her Majesty was happy to hear about my hobby and the interest, but her office is simply unable to meet the large volume of requests similar to mine.

It was nice to receive a double-sided portrait of the Queen and a letter of thanks from Buckingham Palace. I never really give up though. I'll just have to think of a new approach. I hope that in time I can add the Queen to my collection.

In general, I have to write letters that are unique and can get the attention of the staff. I am not the only person with such a hobby. So I keep my letters short, unique and respectful.

I've collected 72 signed photos and 50 signed letters from different offices of world leaders. Some, like Ireland, have sent me visiting cards.

I've received almost 20 visiting cards from nations including Germany, Switzerland, Iceland, Luxembourg and Austria. My dream is to take up these generous offers and create an itinerary that includes visits to all the "oval offices" of the world. We'll see!

Hardcopies in cyberspace

In each letter I write a little bit about myself, my hobby and Dubai, my city. I also mention my website, which I launched a month ago, so world leaders and their offices can learn more about what I am doing and why.

I have already noticed the positive impact of my online presence. The other nice thing about putting my collection online – with regular updates – is that it lets others review my work. As I move towards publishing my collection, the website acts as a model of the content and generates interest.

A citizen of the world

I have had unexpected results from my hobby. By spending time researching leaders, countries and addresses every day, my interest grows. Also, sometimes the replies include websites, letters and other material to learn more about the country and its president.

I have come to learn all sorts of fascinating information about countries I'd almost never even heard of. It is a fun way to learn about the world! If I ever get to publish my book, I will include special details like a country's natural phenomena, historical achievements and culture.

There is an option to auction some or all the photos, but I've noticed how much more of a ‘global citizen' this hobby has made me. I want the book to have that effect on readers, so I do not plan to sell it.

So what began as a hobby will remain a hobby, although it has grown in depth and ambition. I hope it will inspire others to think about the world beyond their own countries.

I also collect signed photos of important leaders from the world of football. I do not plan to include them in the publication. I've received autographed pictures from most of the top figures on the administrative side of Fifa and other international football associations.

Family time

My father owns a contracting company, where I work as a civil engineer.

I was two when I came to Dubai with my mom. We've been here since 1975. I studied in the UAE up until Grade 8 then went to Pakistan for my higher studies.

Even then, I would visit the UAE twice a year. I stayed in touch with family and friends and with the place I consider home.

I received a visa from the German consulate because of my hobby! I was planning to travel, but personal circumstances aren't favourable.

Snap shots

The best lesson I learnt in life is... not to limit myself. Two years ago I would never have imagined how much I could accomplish with a typewriter and a few stamps. Almost overnight I have set out on a path towards what I hope will be a great tool to instil a global perspective among readers and travellers.

The best moment of my life is... when my father offered me a position in the family company. This meant being able to stay in Dubai – the city I have loved watching grow with me.