Stories behind the stamps

In 1975, the United Arab Emirates planned to issue a set of stamps to commemorate the Second Long Distance Swimming Championship, an event that underscored the country’s growing interest in promoting sports and physical fitness. The UAE, which had only recently been formed in 1971, was keen to establish a national identity and highlight its participation in international events.

The stamps were designed with a focus on the theme of swimming and the championship. They featured vibrant illustrations of swimmers and related aquatic imagery. The designs were completed, and the stamps were printed and prepared for release. One of the flags for the participating entities was the flag of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. The compering countries were UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the PLO.

For reasons that remain somewhat unclear, the decision was made to withhold the release of these stamps. Scott Stamp catalog had a notation that noted that the stamps were withdrawn at the last moment because not enough supplies had been received from the printer. Initially the set was to be released in June 1975 but because the stamps had not arrived from the Crown Printers in England, the issue was postponed to August. However when not enough arrived even by then, it was cancelled.

Despite not being released, these stamps have become quite rare and sought after by collectors and prices range from $400 upwards, if you can find them.