The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the release of a newly designed AED100 polymer banknote, combining innovative design elements with state-of-the-art security features. Launched in line with the UAE leadership’s vision, the new banknote reflects the nation’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and heritage, reinforcing its status as a global economic and cultural hub.
This new AED100 note is part of the Third Issuance of the National Currency Project, a strategic initiative by the CBUAE to modernise the country’s banknotes. The design narrates the UAE’s growth journey, showcasing cultural and developmental icons that illustrate its evolution into a commercial and economic powerhouse that bridges continents.
The banknote’s aesthetic is defined by vibrant shades of red, maintaining the familiar colour characteristics of the current AED100 note to ensure ease of recognition. It incorporates the UAE Nation Brand, alongside drawings and inscriptions crafted with advanced printing techniques that enhance both beauty and authenticity.
- Front Side: Features the historic Um Al Quwain National Fort, a cultural and heritage site that connects the UAE’s storied past with its present-day achievements.
- Reverse Side: Highlights two modern symbols of the nation’s progress:
- Port of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s largest ports and a vital hub for maritime transport.
- Etihad Rail, the national railway network connecting all seven Emirates and extending into GCC countries. This infrastructure project plays a pivotal role in boosting economic sustainability and regional connectivity.
The new banknote includes some of the most advanced security technologies to deter counterfeiting and enhance consumer trust. Among these are:
- SPARK Flow® DIMENSIONS
- KINEGRAM COLORS®, a multi-coloured security chip
To promote accessibility, the CBUAE has integrated Braille symbols to support blind and visually impaired users in easily identifying the note’s denomination.
Printed on polymer substrate, the AED100 note offers significantly greater durability than traditional paper notes, lasting two or more times longer in circulation. Polymer notes are also more environmentally friendly and cost-effective over their lifespan.
The new AED100 banknote will enter circulation on March 24, 2025, alongside existing AED100 notes. The value of both paper and polymer versions remains fully guaranteed under UAE law. Banks and exchange houses have been instructed to update their ATM and cash-handling machines to ensure seamless processing and acceptance of the new note.
This announcement follows the CBUAE’s recent accolades at the High Security Printing EMEA conferences in 2023 and 2025, where it received the ‘Best New Banknote’ award for its AED500 and AED1000 polymer banknotes, noted for their design excellence, innovation, and security enhancements.
Commenting on the launch, Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, stated:
“The new 100 dirham banknote reflects our commitment to the leadership's vision for a sustainable future through initiatives and achievements that support Net Zero and enhance the nation's financial competitiveness.”
He added:
“Its design embodies the country's ambitious aspirations for future progress and prosperity, while honouring its historical and cultural heritage. We are pleased to announce this special issue in conjunction with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.”
News Source: Emirates News Agency
