The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has been honored with the prestigious Best New Banknote Issue for 2025 in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region for its AED 500 polymer banknote.
The award was announced at the High Security Printing EMEA conference in Basel, Switzerland, in early February 2025.
The winning banknote reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, integrating advanced security features and cutting-edge design. It boasts three-dimensional elements and incorporates the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe, a feature first introduced in the award-winning AED 1000 banknote in 2023.
Printed by Oumolat Security Printing, a subsidiary of CBUAE, the third-generation polymer banknote entered circulation on November 30, 2023. Designed for durability, its polymer material is fully recyclable, supporting the UAE’s green economy vision.
The front side of the banknote features the Terra Sustainability Pavilion at Expo City Dubai, symbolizing the UAE’s environmental commitment. The reverse side showcases the Museum of the Future, along with Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa, the latter standing as a beacon of sustainability with its reliance on solar power.
CBUAE also emphasized inclusivity by incorporating Braille symbols, enabling visually impaired users to identify the banknote easily.
Commenting on this milestone, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of Banking Operations & Support Services at CBUAE, stated:
"This award reaffirms our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. We take pride in pioneering banknotes that merge cutting-edge security with environmentally friendly materials while ensuring accessibility for all."
This achievement cements the UAE’s position as a leader in sustainable financial solutions and banknote security innovation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
