The Central Bank of the UAE has been awarded the ‘Best New Banknote Issue’ in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region for 2025 for the AED500 banknote. The central bank received the award during the High Security Printing EMEA conference held in Basel, Switzerland, at the beginning of February 2025.
The AED500 banknote features a design that reflects the UAE’s journey in the field of sustainability and embodies the central bank’s strong commitment to promoting sustainable solutions in the financial sector. The ‘Best New Banknote Issue’ recognition is attributed to the CBUAE’s implementation of the latest technical specifications and advanced security features.
“The Central Bank of the UAE’s AED500 banknote winning the ‘Banknote of the year’ award is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and innovation,” stated Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, assistant governor – banking operations & support services, CBUAE, and chairman of the board of directors of Oumolat Security Printing Company.
CBUAE employs advanced security technologies
The AED500 banknote has three-dimensional designs and the incorporation of advanced security technologies. These technologies were previously employed in the award-winning ‘Best New Banknote 2023’ edition of the AED1,000 banknote.
This achievement establishes the UAE as the first country in the Middle East to issue banknotes featuring the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe. This banknote, part of the third polymer series, was printed by Oumolat Security Printing, a fully owned subsidiary of CBUAE, and entered circulation on November 30, 2023.
Sustainable polymer material
The issuance of the AED500 banknote supports the vision of the wise leadership to accelerate the transition to a green economy to ensure a future centered around sustainable development. In a strategic move towards sustainability, the CBUAE opted for a polymer material, making the new banknotes more durable and longer lasting than traditional banknotes. This material, fully recyclable, significantly reduces its environmental impact.
On the front side, the AED500 banknote displays the image of the bold architecture of the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, a testament to the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future rooted in the principles laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Meanwhile, 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 AED500 banknote is an image of iconic landmarks, namely Emirates Towers, and the Burj Khalifa on the right side, which is the world’s tallest building standing at 828 meters high with more than 160 floors, is a beacon of sustainability as it derives most of its power from solar.
Commitment to inclusivity
Remaining committed to inclusivity; CBUAE has included prominent symbols in Braille to help blind and visually impaired consumers recognize the AED500 banknote and determine its value.
“We are proud to lead the region in introducing banknotes with advanced security features and materials that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, our dedication to inclusivity ensures that our banknotes are accessible to all, with Braille symbols aiding visually impaired users,” added Al Dhaheri.
