The United Arab Emirates Central Bank has revealed a new Dh500 polymer banknote adorned with designs that emphasize the nation’s commitment to sustainability in a celebration of the UAE’s 52nd Union Day. This new currency is set to enter circulation starting Thursday, November 30, alongside the existing paper and polymer banknotes.
Maintaining the distinctive blue color for easy identification, the front side of the Dh500 banknote showcases the striking architecture of the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai. This design serves as a testament to the UAE’s dedication to a sustainable future, echoing the principles set forth by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
On the reverse side, the banknote features the iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai, a symbol that seamlessly bridges the past with the future, showcasing architectural and engineering marvels. The reverse side also prominently displays images of renowned landmarks, including the Emirates Towers and the Burj Khalifa. The latter, standing at an impressive 828 meters with over 160 floors, is recognized as the world’s tallest building. Notably, the Burj Khalifa exemplifies sustainability by harnessing a significant portion of its power from solar energy.
In a strategic move towards sustainability, the Central Bank of the UAE opted for a polymer material for the new banknote. This decision ensures the currency is two or more times more durable than traditional banknotes and is fully recyclable, significantly reducing its environmental impact.
An additional layer of security is introduced through the incorporation of multicolored security chip technology. This technology positions the UAE as the first country in the Middle East to employ the largest foil strip of its kind on banknotes.
This advanced security feature, previously utilized in the new version of the Dh1000 banknote, represents a pioneering initiative in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions to combat counterfeiting.
