The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has launched two new banknotes in denominations of five dirhams and ten dirhams, which are made from polymer and are enhanced by advanced technical specifications and novel security features. While the new ten dirham banknote was circulated from 21 April, 2022, the new five dirham note was introduced yesterday (26 April, 2022). The current banknotes of both denominations will remain in circulation along with the new polymer notes.
The new banknotes are the third issue of the national currency and outline the Central Bank’s aim to keep pace with the nation’s ambitious vision for the next fifty years, especially in the financial and economic sectors. The two banknotes were issued following the success of the initial fifty dirham polymer note.
The polymer notes highlight CBUAE’s adoption of sustainable practices and its efforts to improve environmental standards in the financial sector and promote sustainable growth by the use of environmentally-friendly, recyclable, and durable materials such as polymer, thereby making them more long lasting and sustainable than the traditionally-used cotton paper banknotes.
The Central Bank continued the approach of the third issue by blending modern technologies with aesthetic design. A transparent window featuring a portrait of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the logo of the UAE nation brand with fluorescent drawings and inscriptions created by using advanced intaglio printing methods are the two distinctive features of the new currency notes.
Though the colour schemes of the two new banknotes have been retained, certain creative changes have been incorporated. Images of UAE national and cultural symbols such as the Ajman Fort and the Dhayah Fort are printed on the new five dirham banknote, while the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre feature on the new ten dirham note.
The polymer notes also come with high-quality security features using international standards and technology to enhance consumer confidence and to especially combat counterfeiting of the national currency.
Governor of CBUAE Khaled Mohammed Balama says, “The issuance of the new banknotes in all three denominations of five dirhams, ten dirhams, and fifty dirhams, is a source of great pride as they feature prominent landmarks that reflect the history of the United Arab Emirates and its immortal legacy, both at the same time. It also reflects the future vision of development and prosperity in the country.”
