The UAE has issued a new-look AED500 note as it prepares to host COP28 in Dubai.
Coinciding with hosting COP28 and celebrations for the country’s 52nd National Day, the Central Bank of the UAE announced the issuance of the new polymer banknote.
This is part of the third issuance of the national currency project, with distinctive designs and advanced security features.
The design of the banknote encapsulates the UAE’s journey in sustainability, its pioneering development approach, its global role, its track -record of climate action, and its continuous commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.
The international community acknowledged such commitment as evidenced by the United Arab Emirates being awarded the hosting of COP28, which aligns to the nation’s innovative approach and active role in finding solutions to global challenges.
The new AED 500 banknote highlights the UAE’s sustainable developmental including culture and tourism landmarks and unique models of sustainability.
The front side includes an image of the bold architecture of the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai
The reverse side highlights the Museum of the Future in Dubai, bridging the past with the future as an architectural and engineering marvel.
Also prominent on the reverse side of the polymer banknote is an image of iconic landmarks, namely Emirates Towers and the Burj Khalifa.
In a strategic move towards sustainability, the CBUAE opted for polymer material, making the new banknote two or more times more durable than traditional banknotes.
This material, fully recyclable, significantly reduces its environmental impact.
The aesthetic features of the banknote incorporate a range of harmonious blue shades, mirroring the banknote of the same denomination currently in circulation, facilitating easy identification for the public.
Fluorescent blue markings on the reverse side marks the UAE nation brand, enhanced by intricate drawings and engravings utilising advanced intaglio printing techniques.
The AED500 banknote incorporates multicoloured security chip technology known as KINEGRAM COLORS, marking the UAE as the first country in the Middle East to use the largest foil strip of this kind on banknotes.
To combat counterfeiting, these technologies were previously employed in the new version of the AED1,000 banknote, a first in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions.
Remaining committed to inclusivity; CBUAE has included prominent symbols in braille to help blind and visually impaired consumers in recognising the banknote and determining its value.
The new banknote enters into circulation on Thursday, November 30.
All banks and exchange houses are instructed to programme their cash deposit machines and counting devices to ensure seamless acceptance of this new banknote alongside existing paper and polymer banknotes, whose value is guaranteed by law.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said: “This issuance of the new AED500 banknote reflects the vision of the wise leadership for a sustainable future and embodies the distinguished record of achievements and development aspirations of the UAE in various fields”.
