On Thursday, April 21, 2022, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the launch of two new polymer banknotes in the denominations of 5 and 10 dirhams.
Khalid Mohammed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said, "The new banknote issuance of five and ten dirhams, and previously the fifty-dirham note, is a source of great pride and honor. The new banknotes feature symbols and images that reflect the UAE's history and heritage, as well as embody the new start to keep pace with the development and modernization aspiration."
The new banknotes are the third issue of the national currency and reflect the Central Bank's aim to keep pace with the nation's development and vision over the next fifty years, particularly in the financial and economic sectors. These issues follow the success of the initial 50-dirham polymer banknote, issued on December 7, 2021.
Both banknotes maintain the color characteristics of the same denomination banknotes currently in circulation, making it easy for the public to identify them. The transparent windows feature a portrait of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004). The "7 Lines" logo of the UAE nation brand is illustrated on the obverse of both banknotes. Seven lines rise up tall with momentum, optimism and dynamism as a tribute to the seven bold founding leaders who shaped the Emirates and united their people's aspirations under one flag. Seven lines, shaping the map of the Emirates with the flag colors, represent the future-focused leaders of the seven emirates united towards the country's growth and driven by persistence and resilience in the face of challenges.
Pictures of UAE national and cultural symbols are illustrated on both banknotes on both the obverse and reverse.
The 5-dirham banknote:
Observe: An image of the "Ajman Fort," an ancient monument that bears witness to the cultural and historical legacy of the UAE's forefathers.
Reverse: An image of "Dhayah Fort" in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and one of the UAE's prominent cultural landmarks.
The 10-dirham banknote:
Obverse: An image of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a religious, national and cultural iconic landmark, which has become a renowned global destination.
Reverse: An image of the Khorfakkan amphitheater, one of the unique cultural landmarks in the Emirate of Sharjah.
The CBUAE employed the latest international standards and technologies in the two new banknotes, using enhanced technical specifications and high-quality security features (both apparent and latent) to enhance consumers' confidence and to combat counterfeiting. Prominent symbols in Braille help the blind and visually impaired to identify the banknotes' value.
The 5- and 10-dirham banknotes entered circulation on Tuesday, April 26th, and Thursday, April 21st, respectively. Current banknotes of both denominations will remain in circulation along with the new polymer notes. No demonetization is planned.
Press releases:
https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303041203
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/.../look-uae-central-bank..
