In photos: Salem Al Saman, a pioneering merchant of the UAE

Salem Al Saman as a young man.

Al Saman and his son Salah in 1968.

Al Saman poses in one of the Al Futtaim shops during the early 1960s, when he used to work for a salary of 350 rupees.

Al Saman at the official reception for King Hussein of Jordan in Abu Dhabi.

President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan giving instructions to Al Saman.

Al Saman (first row, second on the right) at the International Labour Organisation meeting in the Geneva offices of the United Nations.

President Sheikh Zayed speaking to Al Saman. Also seen are Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman. The picture was taken at the Hilton Abu Dhabi on National Day 1973.

A signed photograph of world-famous painter Salvador Dali, who met Al Saman at The Ritz in Barcelona, 1975.

Sheikh Zayed and Al Saman in a rare official photograph with the much-loved falcon.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum talking to Al Saman.

Al Saman’s first meeting with Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said of Oman in 1977, Salalah. Sheikh Surour stands in the middle and Ahmed Suweidan is on the far left.

Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate's past. Al Saman donated a portion of his personal items to the Heritage Village.

Al Saman donated his private collection of Patek Philippe watches, with each one being more than 100 years old.

The section of Heritage Village donated by Al Saman features an eclectic mix of his personal belongings that include pocket watches, gold coins, swords and old photographs.