The 42nd UAE National Day Stamp Exhibition, hosted by Mega Mall Sharjah and The Emirates Philatelic Association (EPA), culminated on Sunday with a gleaming Palmares Night.

The evening, which took place at the Holiday International Hotel in Sharjah, celebrated the award winners of the prestigious five-day event with a glittering ceremony.

The highest marks were awarded to UAE’s representatives Bernardo Longo, for a remarkable exhibit on Air mail by Gulf Aviation from 1950-1973, and to Jamal Al Barazi, for his fascinating display of Syrian Army Postal tags from 1954-1950.

There were two more winners of the prestigious large vermeil award, both representing Saudi Arabia: Tarek Mokhtar, whose exhibit was titled: "Shibin El-Kom Postmarks 1870-1922", and Ahmed Hani Al Kilani, on Egyptian Postal Stationery from 1865-1949.

From almost 50 exhibitors displaying their exhibits, nine philatelists were honoured with vermeil awards, on top of the four who won the top prize. A further four won large silver, seven walked away with silver, eight took silver bronze and 11 took bronze. There were also seven certificates of participation awarded.

Saeed bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of Mega Mall, said: "Mega Mall has been honoured to host this prestigious exhibition, and we are delighted that it has inspired such an encouraging level of engagement from participants and visitors alike. There is no doubt that for the past five days, Sharjah has been at the centre of the philately world." Abdulla Khoory, President, Emirates Philately Association, said: "It was with the greatest pleasure that I viewed some simply stunning collections, testament to the tireless work and commitment of our prize winners. The breath of themes that were covered - 19th, 20th, and 21st century, spanning a diverse range of industries and subjects all around the world - in particular made for a fascinating exhibition. I am sure that the past five days have stoked the interests of a great many newcomers to philately, as well as intriguing seasoned collectors.

The award winners honored during the Palmares Night came from seven countries in the Middle East - the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq - each participating in one of seven classes - Literature , Postal History, Postal Stationery, Thematic, Traditional, One Frame and Youth.

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