On 26th February, 1993 the second anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait from occupying Iraqi forces, the Central Bank of Kuwait issued a 1 Dinar commemorative polymer note. It is only available on a folder and the note carries the inscription " THIS IS NOT LEGAL TENDER" in Arabic on the front of the note (just above the signatures) and in English in the back.

Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait on 2nd August, 1990. Vastly outnumbered, Kuwaiti forces could not hold the line and on 8th August 1990 Iraq declared formal annexation of Kuwait. A Kuwait government in exile was established in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The United Nations subsequently gave Iraq six months from the date of their occupation to withdraw or to face military action. During this time the UN coalition of allied forces established bases for an offensive against Iraq, primarily in Saudi Arabia and on offshore locations. This process and the attendant diplomatic measures was generally known as "Desert Shield". Once the United Nations ultimatum expired, the coalition forces attacked swiftly expelling the Iraqi forces from Kuwait under the operation code named "Desert Storm".

Kuwaitis suffered severely under the six month occupation. The official explanation for the lack of legal tender status of this issue is that the Amir (Head of State) did not wish to see the country profiting from the misfortune of its people. This is a little curious and perhaps there is more to it than this as the note was issued in a folder – for 1 Dinar. Thus the Central Bank actually sold a note for 1 Dinar which has no value. There was not, therefore, a high premium levied for the packed notes sold to Kuwaitis.

The 26th February is a national holiday - Liberation Day - celebrating the restoration of sovereignty after the Iraqi occupation.

Replacement notes were issued. An astonishing feature is that they all have the serial number CK000091. "CK" representing the "Central Bank of Kuwait" and "91" representing "1991". This prefix is not used on any other Kuwait issue.

On 26th February, 2002 a second 1 Dinar non legal tender polymer note commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Liberation was issued in a folder. The first note very much focuses on the occupation and liberation whereas the second note reflects the rebuilding and development of Kuwait since liberation.

The central feature on the front of this note is a map of Kuwait. The major off shore island of Failakka is clearly shown in colours conforming with the mainland however three lesser islands appear as brown dots out of keeping with the rest of the note and seem to be added as a separate printing process. These islands, from north to south, are : Kubbar, Qaruk and Umm Al-Maradin. At bottom left the 34 countries of the United Nations sponsored Allied Coalition participating in Desert Shield and Desert Storm which resulted in the liberation of Kuwait are listed in English. They are also listed in Arabic at bottom right which actually gives them prominence as Arabic reads from right to left. The Coat of Arms of Kuwait is at top right in blue relief.

Burning oil wells set alight by the Iraqis as they withdrew and scenes of joyous reunion and celebration of liberation are shown on the back. The building shown is the Seif Palace, the Amir's administrative headquarters; the gate featured is the main gate to the Palace. A commemorative legend is printed at bottom left under a desert scene.

The six line Arabic inscription on the front of this note translates as:
First line: Central Bank of Kuwait in
Second line: Commemorative Banknote.
Third line: Issued in the event of the 2nd Anniversary.
Fourth line: The Liberation of the State of Kuwait.
Fifth line: 26 February, 1993.
Sixth line: This note is not legal tender.

Riqa calligraphic style is also used at the far right for the names of the 34 countries.

The front of this note is rather bland with intricate arabesque line drawings. The Coat of Arms of Kuwait, this time in full colour, is at the top right.

The eye catching feature on the back is a Kuwaiti soldier holding the national flag aloft. A girl to the right has drawn four doves as a symbol of peace on a wall. However, a harbour scene depicting the traditional Dhow and buildings in Kuwait City is the major feature on the back. The building to the left is the Seif Palace viewed from an angle different to that on the 1993 issue. To the right is the Scientific Centre.

In terms of security features this is one of the simpler polymer notes.

The five line text on the front of the note translates as:
First line: Central Bank of Kuwait.
Second line: Commemorative Banknote.
Third line: Issued in the event of the 10th Anniversary.
Fourth line: The Liberation of the State of Kuwait.
Fifth line: 26th February, 2001.

For this note, the entire Arabic text is in the more traditional Dhiwani calligraphic style.