On December 20, 2025, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) announced the upcoming issuance of a 1-rial polymer commemorative banknote, the first of its kind in the history of Omani currency. The new commemorative banknote will enter circulation starting January 11, 2026.

The banknote's design incorporates a combination of national achievements. The obverse of the banknote features Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on the right and the Oman Botanic Garden on the left, portraying its arched windows in the background, complementing the prominent, transparent window's design. A frankincense tree can be found in the lower left corner beside the denomination.

The reverse portrays the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Duqm Refinery, the arched windows of the Oman Botanic Garden (the transparent window) and the Omani coat of arms with crossed swords and a khanjar (dagger), creating a wonderful blend of Omani national identity.

The new commemorative banknote incorporates a diverse set of security features, including:
- a large transparent window that reproduces the arched windows of the Oman Botanic Garden, which occupies a proportionally large area of the banknote.
- a color-changing, optically variable ink (OVI) security device in the form of a frankincense tree.
- iridescent ink as the CBO's pattern on the reverse of the note.

 

The banknote measures 145x76 mm.

 

The Central Bank of Oman has stated that the new polymer commemorative banknote will circulate alongside existing banknotes and will be valid as legal tender for use in all payment transactions. Additionally, 1000 uncut sheets and 10,000 banknotes placed in elegantly designed envelopes will be available for sale at the Central Bank of Oman (Ruwi-Salalah-Sohar) and Oman Post's sales window at the Opera Galleria, starting January 11, 2026.

 

 

Donald Ludwig, January 1, 2026