...United Arab Emirates - 2023 Polymer Series Of Three Notes

دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة 

(Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah)

(United Arab Emirates)

 

Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) 

Currency : Dirham (AED)

 

Three notes posted here are the 5, 10 and 500 dirhams all printed with the year date of 2023. These are all polymer notes and the third series of banknotes issued by the United Arab Emirates since 1973.

 

The polymer series was first started in 2021 when the central bank issued a 50 dirhams commemorative polymer note. Then in 2022, it released the two polymer notes of 5 and 10 dirhams. The 10 dirhams was first released on 21.04.2022, and the 5 dirhams was released on 25.04.2022. The two notes of 5 and 10 dirhams posted below are reprints and both printed with the year date of 2023. Whilst all three notes are printed with the Georgian year of 2023, however, the Hijri year is not. Both the 5 and 10 dirhams are printed with the 1444 AH year and the 500 is printed with 1445 AH year (after 19.07.2023)

The 500 dirhams is a new issue and is the first printed in polymer substrate material for this denomination. The design for this new note is quite impressive. On the front and back, it showcases the development of Dubai with modern buildings constructed from 1999 to 2021. 

  

Five Dirhams

18th century built Ajman Fort in Ajman

 

Front - Ajman Fort is a double story rock and is located in the city of Ajman in the emirate of Ajman. Ajman is situated in the western part of the United Emirates. The fort was founded in the 18th century. 

 

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Watermark - n/a

Dimensions - 142.5mm x 66mm

 

Back - Dhayah Fort is located in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, which is situated on the right side of Ajman. This fort was also founded in the 18th century.

 

Dhayah Fort in Ras al-Khaimah

 

Ten Dirhams

Front - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the country. This mosque was built in 2007 at a cost of 2 billion dirhams. 

 

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Watermark - n/a

Dimensions - 148mm x 67mm

 

Back - Khorfakkan amphitheater in the emirate of Sharjah is a cultural landmark located in the city of Khor Fakkan. This amphitheater was inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhamad Al Qasimi in late 2020.

 

Khorfakkan amphitheater in the emirate of Sharjah

Five Hundred Dirhams

Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai

Front - The main feature on the front is the Terra Sustainability Pavilion, which was built in 2021. This building was one of the main attractions of the Expo 2020 Dubai. 

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Watermark - n/a

Dimensions - 160mm x 67mm

 

Back - The back depicts three major buildings all situated in Dubai. In the center is the Museum of the Future which was completed in early 2022 at a cost of US$136m. To the right is the world famous Burj Khalifa. It is the world's tallest structure ever built and it cost US$1.5 billion to build. Construction for this building started in 2004 and completed in 2009. The Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use skyscraper. The building includes 30,000 homes and nine hotels. printed behind the Museum of the Future is the Emirates tower which was built in 1999.

 

Museum of the future in Dubai, Emirates Tower, Burj Khalifa

...United Arab Emirates - 5, 10 & 1000 Dirhams 2022 Polymer Third Series

  دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

(Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah)

(United Arab Emirates)

Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE)
Currency : Dirham (AED) 

 

On 07.12.2021, the United Arab Emirates released a 50 dirhams polymer commemorative banknote, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Union Agreement in 1971. Since the formation of the union in 1971, the United Arab Emirates has issued several designs of banknotes, first released under the name of United Arab Emirates Currency Board, and then under the name of United Arab Emirate Currency Board. Since 1971, the central bank authority has only issued two series of banknotes. 

 

In 2021, the central bank issued its third series of banknotes with the 50 dirhams commemorative polymer note. For this third series, on the back of the note, the name of the central bank has changed from United Arab Emirates Central Bank to Central Bank of the United Emirates in English. Posted below are the second and third notes for this new series, with denominations of 5 and 10 dirhams, both printed on polymer substrate material, just like the 50 dirhams commemorative issue. These two notes were released to the public for circulation on 21.04.2022 (10 dirhams), 25.04.2022 (5 dirhams) and 10.04.2023 (1000 dirhams).

Like the 50 dirhams note, these notes are printed with a transparent circular window with the image of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (b.1918-2004), and the logo of the UAE nation brand with fluorescent drawings and inscriptions of The Emirates, created using advanced intaglio printing. The UAE national brand logo (seven vertical multi-colored bars) is designed like a shape of the seven Emirates, and below that is the outline maps of the Emirates as well. The previous 50 dirhams commemorative note is also printed with the same feature. Looks like this is going to be the standard feature for this third series of banknotes.

These notes are dated with the western Gregorian calendar year of 2022, and the Islamic year of AH1443. This means that the notes were printed between 09.08.2021 to 20.04.2022, as the Islamic year of AH1443 started from 09.08.2021 to 29.07.2022.

 

Five Dirhams

18th century built Ajman Fort in Ajman

Front - Ajman Fort is a double story rock and is located in the city of Ajman in the emirate of Ajman. Ajman is situated in the western part of the United Emirates. The fort was founded in the 18th century.

 

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Watermark - n/a

Dimensions - 144mm x 67mm

 

Back - Dhayah Fort is located in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, which is situated on the right side of Ajman. This fort was also founded in the 18th century.

Dhayah Fort in Ras al-Khaimah

Ten Dirhams

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Front - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the country. This mosque was built in 2007 at a cost of 2 billion dirhams. 

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Watermark - n/a

Dimensions - 148mm x 67mm

 

Back - Khorfakkan amphitheater in the emirate of Sharjah is a cultural landmark located in the city of Khor Fakkan. This amphitheater was inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhamad Al Qasimi in late 2020. 

 

Khorfakkan amphitheater in the emirate of Sharjah

 

One Thousand Dirhams

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (b.1918-2004)

Front - On the front it features the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (b.1918-2004). Sheikh was the first president of UAE and is also considered the founding father of UAE. To his right is the image of a model of a space shuttle which was inspired by the late Sheikh during his meeting with the pioneers of the American NASA space agency back in 1974. In between is the Emirate Mars Mission 'Hope Probe', a Mars orbiter which was launched into space in July 2020, and arrived at Mars in February 2021. On the see-through window is the image of an astronaut.

 

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Watermark - n/a

Dimensions - 164.5mm x 66.5mm

 

Back - On the back, it features an image of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant located in Abu Dhabi. This power plant was built by a Korean company and was first commissioned in 2020. This is a commercial power plant and the first ever built in the Arabian Peninsula.

 

Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant located in Abu Dhabi

...United Arab Emirates - 50 Dirhams Commemorative 50th Year Of The Union Agreement Polymer Banknote

 دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

(Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah)

(United Arab Emirates)

United Arab Emirates Central Bank
Currency : Dirham (AED)

This is a 50 dirhams commemorative note released to the public on 07.12.2021. This note was issued to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the formation of the federation of seven sheikhdoms, called the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 02.12.1971.

 

The union was declared on 02.12.1972 after the signing of the Union Agreement by the seven rulers of the Trucial States at the Palace of Hospitality in Jumeirah in Dubai. The seven Emirates are Abu Dhabi (the largest of the group), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The idea of the union first started between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with the discussion first stated on 18.02.1968. The two rulers agreed in principle with the union and later invited the remaining of the five rulers of the Trucial States to join in the negotiations to form a larger union. Further meetings were held between 25-27.02.1968, which included all the other five rulers from the Trucial States plus both Qatar and Bahrain. However, both Qatar and Bahrain later decided to opt out of this union and went their separate ways. 

 

There were few reasons as to why both Bahrain and Qatar did not want to join the union. At the time of discussion, Bahrain was a more advanced State and wanted the capital to be in Bahrain. Also the union discussion first started around 1968 and at that time, the late Shah of Iran had a historical claim on Bahrain and if the new union was formed, it would provide Bahrain some form of security against Iran's claim. In March 1970, the Shah of Iran abandoned the claim on Bahrain. Obviously, the union would provide all the States, especially those smaller members a better form of protection against any territory claims against them by their larger neighbours. Qatar decided to opt out as they do not want other members in the union to interfere with their internal affairs.

 

The formation of the union was agreed on 18.07.1971 without the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah as it was undecided at that time. The union was then declared on 02.12.1971 with Ras al Khaimah later joined on 10.02.1972. The newly formed federal state became officially known as Dawlat al Imarat al Arablyya al Muttahida or the United Arab Emirates.

 

At the time of the union formation, the leaders of these seven Emirates were; -

Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004) Founding father & President;

Dubai - Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912-1990) Vice President;

Sharjah - Sheikh Khalig bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1927-1972);

Ajman - Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (1902-1981);

Umm Al Quwain - Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla (1902-1981);

Ras Al Khaimah - Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1918 – 2010); and

Fujairah - Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (1908-1974).

 

Even the Emir of Ras al Khaimah was undecided whether to join the union or not until 10.02.1972, they were represented at the signing of the Union Agreement. It should also be noted that at the time of the signing of the agreement, the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain was represented by his son, the crown prince Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla (b.1932-2009) as Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla was not well. As you can see from the above, none of the signatories lived long enough to witness this golden jubilee celebration.

 

This note is printed on polymer substrate, and is the first denomination of the Third Family of notes. This is the first time a polymer note is issued in the UAE. It is also reported that this polymer note is printed by a security firm called Oumolat Security Printing LLC, which is also based in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is now one of the few countries around that world that have issued banknotes in cotton based paper, hybrid and now polymer.

Fifty Dirhams

Seven Rulers from the Trucial States

Front - Memorial picture taken after the signing of the Union Agreement. On the left is the Martyrs Memorial, which is called Wahat al Karama or Oasis of Dignity. This is a war memorial monument built in Abu Dhabi and is dedicated to the heroes of the Emirates. This monument was unveiled to the public on 30.11.2016. On the right is the image of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan. An outline map of the United Arab Emirates is also printed on the left, plus seven vertical bars in multiple colours forming the shape of the Union (UAE) as well.

Back - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan signing the Union agreement and the Etihad Museum.

 

Signature

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Dimensions - 151mm x 67.5mm

 

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan signing the Union agreement

 

Below is a group photo taken after the signing of the Union agreement in 1972.

courtesy of the nationalnews.com

I believe these were the Emirs from the above photo taken, from L-R:

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum,

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, and

Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla (son - representing his father Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla).

 

Everyone in the above photo is now deceased, including Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla. If any readers think that I have the names in order are not correct, please feel free to let me know.

.United Arab Emirates - 100 Dirhams Year of Zayed Commemorative

دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Central Bank
Currency : Dirham (AED)

This 100 dirhams note was issued in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates's 47th National Day and also to pay tribute to the 100th Year Anniversary of the Birth of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed was born in 1918 and died in 2004. Zayed was the founding father of UAE and served as the first President of UAE for 33 years, from 1971 until his death in 2004. This note is to honour his Centenary of Birth 1918-2018. Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is considered as the founding father of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was the youngest of four sons of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1922 and until he was assassinated in 1926.

This note was supposed to be released on 02.12.2018 to coincide with the 47th national day celebration but was delayed until the first half of 2019. The national day of UAE is a celebration of union day when the six emirates came together and formed the UAE in 1971.

The Zayed year 2018 was declared in 2017 by the President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In addition to this banknote, coins are also minted to celebrate this special occasion.

Design
Front: Al-fahidie fort in Dubai, Portrait of Sheikh Zayed. The design is the same of the regular circulating 100 dirhams issued, except that the Year of the Zayed logo is added to the note above the Al-fahidie fort;
Back: Standing falcon, Sheikh Zayed bridge built in 2010. The bridge is 842 meters long and links Abu Dhabi to the mainland. The main feature design on the back is completely new.

Quantity printed for this note is unknown to me but it should be noted that there is also a normal 100 dirhams note with year date 2018 issued earlier.

It appears that this is the first time the UAE has issued a commemorative banknote since it was established in 1971.

One Hundred Dirhams

Dated 2018, Al-fahidie fort in Dubai, Portrait of Sheikh Zayed.

Reverse - Standing falcon, Sheikh Zayed bridge built in 2010. The bridge is 842 meters long and link Abu Dhabi to the mainland.

.United Arab Emirates - 500 Dirhams 2017 Hybrid Reprint

دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah

United Arab Emirates

Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates

This is the third print of the 500 Dirhams Hybrid note with the year date of 2017. The first Hybrid note for the 500 Dirhams was issued with the year date of 2011. In comparison to the 2015 print, this 2017 note looks like a carbon copy, including the signatures, except the year dates printed both on the front and back as compared to the 2015 print. However on closer look, I can see some very minor alterations on the note:

1) those champagne bubbles or tiny yellow donuts printed on the front are not so obvious to the naked eyes for the latest print;
2) the transparent see through “500” value on the plastic strip on the right seem to be more slimmer comparing to the last two issues; and
3) the 'dog bone' shape design surrounding the year dates look slimmer or thinner than the 2011 and 2015 prints.

Five Hundred Dirhams

Dated 2017

Reverse

.United Arab Emirates - 500 Dirhams Hybrid Dated 2015

This is the latest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 500 Dirhams Hybrid note printed with the year date of 2015. This note replaced the previous similar note issued with the year date of 2011. The design of this new note is the same as the 2011 print but with minor changes such as new signature, six horizontal tactile lines added on both sides of the edges to assist those with visually impaired. The vertical serial number on the left has also shifted away from the edge to accommodate those horizontal tactile lines. The colour of the omron rings aka champagne bubbles or tiny donuts (whatever you want to call it) have also been modified to make it more obvious to the naked eyes. To my viewers out there, do you know where UAE is without looking at the map? Do you know why there are no portraits of Emirs or Rulers printed on any of their banknotes, like those in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman or Bahrain? I guest the best to describe the UAE is by saying, it's where Dubai is. UAE is a Federation of seven Emirates/Sheikhdoms, which was established in December 1971, following gaining independence from the British. Each Emirate is controlled by a Ruler/Emir. The 7 Emirates are;

Abu Dhabi (the largest),
Ajman (the smallest),
Fujairah, Sharjah,
Dubai,
Ras AL-Khaimah, and
Umm AL-Qaiwain.

Prior to the forming of the UAE, these Emirs were known as the Trucial States and they all used Bahraini Dinar and before that, the Gulf (Indian) Rupees. The UAE Dirham currency was first introduced in 1973. The UAE Government positions for the President and Prime Minister are hereditary with the Emir of Abu Dhabi holding the President role and the Prime Minister post goes to the Emir of Dubai. The government is assisted by 40 members of the Federal National Council. Half of these members are appointed by the 7 Emirs and the other half are indirectly appointed for a term of two years. The capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi but all the major commercial actions are in Dubai, which is also the largest and most populous city in UAE. This is where you will find the world's tallest building, fancy and expensive shopping malls, the Palms residents, the World Islands and many more expensive hotels etc. Today, Dubai is a famous stopover for those travelling between Europe and Asia/Australasia.

Five Hundred Dirhams (Hybrid)

Dated 2015, P32d

Reverse

.United Arab Emirates - 500 Dirhams 2011 Hybrid

This is the first Hybrid note issued in the United Arab Emirates. I have posted some brief details of this issue below. The largest denomination issued in the UAE is the 1000 dirhams but this note is printed on paper only.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Obverse; - Peregrine Falcon, the national bird of United Arab Emirates. This note is printed with 9 digits serial number but without any Arabic prefix. However it appears that the numeric number 2 is used as a prefix for this denomination.

Brief Description

Minister of Finance - Sheikh Hamad bin Rashaid al-Maktoum
Chairman of the Board of Directors - Khalil Foulazi

Dimensions - 159mm x 68mm

Prefix - # 2

Date - 2011 (Released 29.11.2011)

Printer - Giesecke & Deviant (G&D)

Reverse; - The Grand Mosque Dubai. This is one of the largest mosques in United Arab Emirates which can accommodate up to 1200 worshipers. The mosque was constructed in 1900 and was rebuilt in 1998 to include the 70 meters high minaret, which is also the tallest in Dubai.

.United Arab Emirates - 1982 and 1995 Miscellaneous Issues

Two notes of 1982 and 1995 issues.  

Ten Dirhams, ND1982 P8a

Reverse

Five Dirhams, Dated 1995 P12b

Reverse