Tributes to Jersey “polymath” who was “tireless champion” of UAE links

Tuesday 04 July 2023

Tributes have been paid to a Jersey historian who dedicated more than 50 years to the UAE’s environmental and cultural heritage – and was a “tireless champion of closer links” between his home island and adopted nation – after he passed away over the weekend.

Peter Hellyer, who died aged 75 on Sunday 2 July, first moved to the United Arab Emirates in the 1970s to chronicle the rise of the nation and its founding father through film.

Mr Hellyer also wrote widely on desert ecology, led an archaeological survey across the Abu Dhabi Islands between 1991 and 2006, and was involved in the discovery of a 1,400-year-old Christian monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island. 

In 2013, his archaology work saw him earn the highest honour that a civilian can receive, the Abu Dhabi Medal. 

He went on to help establish WAM, the official Emirates news agency, served as Managing Editor of Emirates News newspaper, among other media endeavours. Later in life, he held a regular column in The National, an English-language daily paper published in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Mr Hellyer had made a “lasting impact in the fields of archaeology, the environment and the media”, describing him as a “model of dedication and generosity”.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Peter Hellyer, who served the UAE with devotion for many years and made a lasting impact in the fields of archaeology, the environment and the media. Peter was a model of dedication & generosity, and we pray that he rests in peace. pic.twitter.com/NQkbYZrEYu

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 3, 2023

The UAE’s Minister of Culture and Youth, Salem Khalid Al Qassimi, said he was a “great historian”, whose “legacy endures”. 

“His devotion to this land will inspire us to preserve our environment, monuments, and history.”  

Today, we lost Peter Hellyer, a great historian who dedicated 50+ years to UAE's environmental and archaeological heritage, notably Sir Bani Yas. His devotion to this land will inspire us to preserve our environment, monuments, and history. His legacy endures. pic.twitter.com/Ag52dyAiIA

— Salem Khalid Al Qassimi | سالم بن خالد القاسمي (@Salemalq) July 2, 2023

The UAE’s Ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of Mr Hellyer, who he said had made an “immeasurable contribution to our national narrative.” 

Deeply saddened by the loss of Peter Hellyer, a true friend of the UAE whose legacy will remain imprinted in our hearts. His immeasurable contribution to our national narrative & pivotal role in our media landscape are a testament to his love for the UAE.https://t.co/lAYhUqooa3

— Ambassador Mansoor Abulhoul (@MansoorAbulhoul) July 2, 2023

Jersey Birding recognised the “wonderful” man’s contribution to ornithology. 

News of his passing, which was shared in by The National and The Washington Times also attracted comments from esteemed journalists around the world, including The Times’ Chief International correspondent Bel Trew. 

We’re saddened to hear of Peter Hellyer’s passing.
A wonderful person and fantastic ornithologist, RIP ????

https://t.co/Cl5Y3QKIQF

— Jersey Birding (@Jerseybirding) July 3, 2023

Describing his death as “heartbreaking”, she described him as “one of the kindest, most gentlemanly people I know, adding that he was: “A true polymath who dedicated his life to the UAE.

"We first met him in 1980 when he worked with my mother on Abu Dhabi TV, radio.

"You will be greatly missed.”

Heartbreaking news: Peter Hellyer one of the kindest, most gentlemanly people I know has left us. A true polymath who dedicated his life to the UAE. We first met him in 1980 when he worked with my mother on Abu Dhabi TV,radio. You will be greatly missed https://t.co/OzJcz6n0th

— Bel Trew (@Beltrew) July 2, 2023

The Times’ Middle East correspondent Richard Spencer said: “Very sad to read of the death of Peter Hellyer, a friend to me and to many, a guide to the Gulf and a promoter of inter-cultural understanding at a time when it could not be more important.

"Condolences to his family.”

Despite his many decades living and working in the UAE, his interest and enthusiasm for Jersey never waned. 

Heartbreaking news: Peter Hellyer one of the kindest, most gentlemanly people I know has left us. A true polymath who dedicated his life to the UAE. We first met him in 1980 when he worked with my mother on Abu Dhabi TV,radio. You will be greatly missed https://t.co/OzJcz6n0th

— Bel Trew (@Beltrew) July 2, 2023

Dr Michele Ziolkowski, an archaeologist who met him in 1993 as an undergraduate student, paid tribute to him in an article in the Khaleej Times as a great mentor, who "encouraged me to push myself beyond my comfort zone" and said hearing him "speak about his childhood and upbringing, and about his home in Jersey" were among the "memories I cherish the most."

These comments were echoed by researcher Ali Iqbal Chaudhry, who said: "Peter was a gifted mentor and made you realise your own potential. He also had great patience – he was always busy with his own work, yet took time out to help me with my own research, as I am sure he did for many, many others.

"His own anecdotes about life in the early UAE and his beloved Jersey were very informative and cast a lens into a world we can only read about."

The Government remembered him as a “tireless champion of closer links between Jersey and the UAE, from dairy and conservation cooperation to collaboration in trade and financial services”.

Mr Hellyer facilitated many diplomatic visits, including linking up with a Government of Jersey the World Expo in Dubai as recently as 2021.

@Peter_Hellyer is a writer, historian and environmentalist based in the UAE, who supports with building links between Jersey and the UAE. Hear from Peter as he discusses his connections to Jersey and his views on the Island's greatest strengths #AlwaysJersey #JerseysGlobalFamily pic.twitter.com/1vQMT4Ns7V

— Government of Jersey London Office ???????? (@GOJLondonOffice) January 28, 2021

Treasury Minister, and former External Relations Minister, Ian Gorst, said “his loss will be felt greatly by all those who knew him across his two homes of Jersey and the UAE.”

“I worked with Peter over many years and in different ministerial roles and I can think of no one who has done more to further the relationship between our two jurisdictions. Peter’s passion, knowledge and dedication was irrepressible. From his lifetime of tireless work, Peter leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning many fields and geographies, and I am sure it is a legacy that will stand the test of time,” Deputy Gorst added.

Mr Hellyer was also an active member of the local Twitter community with an avid interest in local news, and would often write to Bailiwick Express to share his thoughts on the issues of the day. 

Bailiwick Express offers its heartfelt condolences to Mr Hellyer’s family, friends and colleagues.

Pictured top - right: Peter Hellyer, then as UAE Representative of Jersey Finance, giving Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi a copy of his book on the archaeology of the UAE, in the company of former Senator Pierre Horsfall.