Look: Showcasing UAE's first flying school, in Sharjah

Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) celebrated the Emirati Civil Aviation Day marked every October 5, the landing of the first civil flight in Sharjah and UAE’s remarkable journey of development over the last 50 years

Exhibits including photos, correspondence, and documents highlight the history of Al Mahatta airport, the first aviation school and its first woman student as well as the significant roles both entities have played in allowing an exchange of trade and culture with other countries of the world that paved the way for more achievements

Personal records that belonged to Captain Adel Al Deeb: Displays also chronicle the events that led to the opening of the school by late Captain Adel Al Deeb, after he obtained a flying licence from England in 1970. On May 16 1971, the school was officially opened with Al Deeb as its chairman until 1976.

Photo of The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and dignitaries with the late Captain Adel Al Deeb displayed at the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition, which took place at Al Mahatta Museum in Sharjah. The exhibition features a rare collection of documents and photographs from the region’s first aviation school. 5th October 2021. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News

Al Deeb graduated with a civil engineering degree and moved to the UAE in 1957. He witnessed the UAE’s union and helped build several projects in the country including schools and a hospital that carries his name.

Fadi Adel Al Deeb, son of the founder and the chairman of the first UAE flying school established in Sharjah by Captain Adel Al Deeb, during the opening of ‘Sharjah, the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition, which took place at Al Mahatta Museum in Sharjah. The exhibition features a rare collection of documents and photographs from the region’s first aviation school. 5th October 2021. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News

The school’s first female student, Fatinah Al Beetar, shares her story as part of the exhibition

Also on display loaned by his daughter, Nora Al Deeb (pictured), are Al Deeb’s daily flight records, his pilot licences and uniform.

Visitors during the opening of ‘Sharjah, the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition, which took place at Al Mahatta Museum in Sharjah. The exhibition features a rare collection of documents and photographs from the region’s first aviation school. 5th October 2021. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News

Visitors during the opening of ‘Sharjah, the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition, which took place at Al Mahatta Museum in Sharjah. The exhibition features a rare collection of documents and photographs from the region’s first aviation school. 5th October 2021. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News

On the 29th of April 1970, the late Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and its Dependencies wrote to Mr. Dollard, British Agent in Dubai, regarding the Sharjah Flying Club and School. The letter is displayed at the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition, which took place at Al Mahatta Museum in Sharjah. The exhibition features a rare collection of documents and photographs from the region’s first aviation school. 5th October 2021. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News

Visitors at the exhibition: Al Deeb graduated with a civil engineering degree and moved to the UAE in 1957. He witnessed the UAE’s union and helped build several projects in the country including schools and a hospital that carries his name. In 2015, he passed away at his Ajman home following more than 50 years spent in the service of the UAE.

Sharjah, the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition is held at Al Mahatta Museum and will run until September 2, 2022.