UAE: Abdul Rahman, Gulf News ex-photojournalist, passes away at 70

Abu Dhabi: M.K. Abdul Rahman, a veteran Indian photojournalist and longtime Gulf News staff member who documented the transformation of the UAE over the past four decades, passed away in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. He was 70.

According to his son Fazil, Rahman suffered a cardiac arrest.

“He was watching TV and having food at my uncle’s place when he suddenly collapsed from the chair. He was unconscious for five minutes. I rushed there with an ambulance. He regained consciousness but was struggling to speak and became a bit emotional. Once inside the ambulance, he collapsed again. The medical staff tried CPR but couldn’t revive him. It was a cardiac arrest,” Fazil told Gulf News.

Talented, hardworking

Hailing from Kerala, Rahman arrived in Dubai in 1976 and joined Gulf News in 1982, beginning a distinguished 38-year career. A photographer from the pre-Photoshop era, he earned a reputation as a talented and hardworking professional, covering major events and building a strong network and rapport with high-ranking officials.

Known for his warm personality, creative instinct, and lively conversations, Rahman was a familiar presence at key social and cultural gatherings.

His photographic legacy is deeply intertwined with the UAE’s growth, and he played a vital role in documenting the nation’s rise on the world stage. A devoted father and family man, Rahman had returned to India after retiring from Gulf News as a Chief Photographer, but was visiting Abu Dhabi on a short trip. He passed away just a week before his scheduled return.

He is survived by his wife, Naseem, and two children, Fazil and Faaiza. The funeral will be held today at the Baniyas cemetery in Abu Dhabi.
Gulf News has extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.