The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) put a new 1,000-Dirham banknote into circulation on April 10, 2023. The new note integrates modern security features with images depicting the nation’s cultural development.
Polymer substrate is durable and eco-friendly
It is notable that the new 1,000-Dirham note is produced on a SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate, a durable and eco-friendly material. It follows the issue of new polymer 5- and 10-Dirham banknotes in 2022 and a 50-Dirham commemorative banknote, also made of polymer, in late 2021.
The new 1,000-Dirham polymer note is an upgrade from previous paper version, in circulation since 2015. Both versions of the denomination will circulate alongside each other.
Visual imagery celebrates UAE’s global success
The primary color scheme of the new banknote is shades of brown, much like the previous version and thus familiar to consumers. What makes the new banknote distinctive are the images that reflect the UAE’s modern achievements, including space exploration and energy production. The drawings and inscriptions on the note were created using advanced intaglio printing techniques.
Front side of new 1,000-Dirham banknote
On the front side of the note is a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, next to a model of a space shuttle, inspired by his meeting with the pioneers of the American space agency NASA in 1974. The images of an astronaut, satellite, and rockets on the face of the note celebrate the UAE’s achievement in space exploration.
Back side of new 1,000-Dirham banknote
The back of the new note features an image of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi.
Innovative security features
Consistent with its celebration of forward-thinking nation, the note includes several innovative security features:
- A (partially metallized) KINEGRAM COLORS® foil stripe depicting an astronaut (visible on both sides of the note)
- A SPARK Flow® DIMENSION security feature depicting the numeral ‘1000’ on the back of the note, which changes color from gold-to-green
- A separate transparent window features a portrait of the Sheik (on both sides)
- Raised (tactile) symbols (5 embossed dots, shown horizontally at the top centre of the note) to help blind and visually impaired consumers identify the note’s denomination.
Industry award and accolades
The new UAE 1,000-Dirham banknote is already receiving industry accolades for its “unique designs, technical characteristics, and innovative security features.” It was recently named “Best New Banknote” at the regional level for 2023 at the High Security Printing EMEA conference in Abu Dhabi.
Sources/References:
Central Bank of the UAE
Banknote Industry News
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