Dubai: This year marks a historic milestone for Leica Camera AG as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Leica I. Under the motto “100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century,” this iconic brand has embarked on a global journey of celebrations, starting in none other than Dubai. With its innovative spirit and vibrant energy, Dubai takes the lead in honouring Leica’s legacy, perfectly mirroring the brand’s ethos of progress, creativity, and excellence.
The Leica I, first unveiled at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, revolutionised photography with its compact 35mm format.
The vision of Ernst Leitz II and the groundbreaking invention by Oskar Barnack forever transformed visual storytelling, introducing the world to genres like reportage, documentary, street, and artistic photography. Over the past century, Leica cameras have borne witness to defining cultural and historical moments, shaping the way stories are told through imagery.
Dubai: Starting a global celebration
Dubai, renowned for its forward-thinking vision, is the first city to host Leica’s centenary festivities, showcasing its unique alignment with the brand’s legacy of innovation.
The grand celebrations kicked off with an exclusive gala dinner at the Dubai Opera yesterday (Jan 22), 2025, bringing together over 200 VIPs. A centrepiece of the evening was the unveiling of the Leica M11 – 100 Years of Leica Dubai UAE — a collector’s edition limited to just 100 units. Designed with a glossy black finish, silver-chromed details, and an engraved Dubai UAE, this special edition camera embodies both elegance and exclusivity.
The Leica M11 – 100 Years of Leica Dubai UAE is priced at Dh36,500 and available in limited quantities on leicauae.com and Leica Store Dubai.
Additionally, a commemorative book titled Dubai: Light, Lens, Legacy was launched. This publication beautifully juxtaposes historic photographs of Dubai by celebrated traveller and historian, Sir Wilfred Thesiger with modern perspectives captured by local talents such as Hisham Khonji, Fatma Almosa, Saeed Nassouri, and Joseph Hutson. The book reflects Dubai’s harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, much like Leica’s journey over the years.
Iconic imagery showcase
As part of the celebrations, Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Art Director & Chief Representative of Leica Galleries International also inaugurated an exclusive photography exhibition at Foundry, Boulevard Crescent, Downtown Dubai.
Running from January 22 to 26, 2025, the exhibition features 100 iconic images by renowned photographers, each shaping history and inspiring generations. Speaking at the event, Karin highlighted how Leica’s cameras have captured “moments that not only define history but also leave an indelible mark on culture and humanity.”
Honouring Leica’s legacy
Dr Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of Leica Camera’s Supervisory Board, shares his thoughts on Dubai’s pivotal role, saying, “Leica has borne witness to history through the eyes of visionary photographers.
Dubai, with its dynamic energy and innovative spirit, is a fitting starting point for our centennial celebrations. This city perfectly mirrors Leica’s legacy — rooted in innovation yet deeply connected to its essence.”
Asaad Aboud, Managing Partner of Leica Camera Middle East, adds, “Leica’s journey in Dubai began in 2015, making it one of the newest additions to the Leica family. However, the brand’s exceptional success and seamless integration into this remarkable city have propelled Dubai to the forefront of our global celebrations.”
A global journey
Following Dubai, the celebrations will travel to Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo before culminating at Leica’s headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany, in June 2025.
Each city will host unique events, including exhibitions, cultural projects, and the unveiling of limited-edition Leica M11 cameras engraved with the respective city’s name.
In addition to the Dubai edition, versions of the Leica M11 100 Years of Leica will also be released in the same cities.
Each edition, limited to 100 units, will showcase unique design elements inspired by Leica’s rich history while catering to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Legacy of innovation
Leica Camera AG, with over 150 years of history, continues to set benchmarks in photography, optics, and industrial design.
Beyond cameras, the brand has expanded into mobile imaging, eyewear, and watches, maintaining its reputation for unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
With its global network of Leica Galleries and Academies, the company also fosters a culture of photography, honoring visual storytellers through prestigious awards like the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award.
Witness to a century
From the Leica I to the latest Leica M11 100 Years of Leica series, the brand has remained a loyal companion to visionaries, revolutionising the way we see and document the world.
As the celebrations unfold across iconic cities, Leica invites photography enthusiasts and collectors to become part of its century-long legacy — a journey that began with capturing life’s decisive moments and continues to inspire the art of storytelling.
For more information on the centenary events and special editions, visit leica-camera.com
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