The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has issued two new banknotes in denominations of 5 and 10 dirhams. Polymer banknotes with a number of security features will go into circulation next week.
They are the third version of the 5 and 10 dirham banknotes and are made from an environmentally friendly and recyclable polymer material that is twice as strong as cotton paper.
The banknotes bear portraits of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the official logo of the UAE, as well as fluorescent drawings and inscriptions created using special printing technologies.
The banknote of 5 dirhams retained its original color scheme. The design incorporates the national symbols of the UAE, in particular the Ajman Fort. The back of the banknote depicts the Daya Fort in Ras Al Khaimah.
The 10 dirham note also retained the familiar green hue. In the center is an image of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The reverse side features the Khorfakkan Amphitheater, a famous cultural landmark in Sharjah.
Both banknotes have anti-counterfeiting features and Braille symbols for the visually impaired. The Central Bank of the UAE said that the images and symbols printed on banknotes represent not only the heritage of the UAE, but also the development and modernization of the country. Old versions of banknotes will still remain in circulation.
In December 2021, the UAE Central Bank issued 50 dirham banknotes in honor of the state’s Golden Jubilee. The banknote depicts the first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and other founding rulers, as well as national and historical monuments.
The change in the design of the banknote was a sign of appreciation and gratitude to the founding fathers of the UAE. The portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed and the rulers of the emirates after the signing of the document of unification of the union in 1971 is depicted on the front of the banknote.
Next to them is the image of the Wahat Al Karama memorial, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Emirates. On the back is a photograph of Sheikh Zayed during the signing of the union agreement, as well as the Etihad Museum, located on the site where the national flag of the UAE was first raised.