The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) put a new 100-Dirham polymer banknote into circulation on March 24, 2025. The new note completes the UAE’S newest family of banknotes as part of the National Currency Project.
The National Currency Project, as described by the CBUAE, “highlights the United Arab Emirate’s success story, featuring cultural and developmental symbols that illustrate the nation’s journey to becoming a global economic and commercial hub, connecting continents.”
Other, previously issued denominations in this family of banknotes include:
- The Commemorative 50-Dirham Polymer Banknote which marked the UAE’s 50-Year Anniversary, issued in 2021.
- The 5- and 10-Dirham Polymer Banknotes, issued in 2022.
- The 500 Dirham Polymer banknote and 1,000 Dirham Polymer Banknote, both issued in 2023.
All banknotes in the current series are printed on a durable and eco-friendly SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate. This reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability. The new banknote will circulate alongside the existing 100-Dirham notes.
Visual design reflects the UAE’s success and progress
The UAE’s rich history, as well as its modern-day success and progress, are evident in the visual imagery of the new banknote. A portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan appears on both sides of the note, in a round transparent window.
Front side of new 100-Dirham banknote
The front of the new banknote depicts the Um Al Quwain National Fort, a historical and cultural monument. The fort is a national attraction, bridging the past with the present.
Reverse side of new 100-Dirham banknote
The reverse side of the new note features Port of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s largest ports and a major shipping and maritime transport hub. Also depicted is Etihad Rail, a network that connects the seven Emirates and extends to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Advanced security features to fight counterfeiting
To help prevent counterfeiting, advanced security features are integrated into the new banknote. These include:
- Multicolored KINEGRAM COLORS® (Foil) Stripe, a security foil combining optical effects with pronounced colors and fine-line design. This feature is visible on both sides of the note.
- SPARK Flow® DIMENSIONS (the denomination “100”), on the back of the note, top right.
- UV fluorescent printing
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
A special feature to help visually impaired consumers
The new 100-Dirham banknote has raised symbols (four embossed dots) to help blind and visually impaired consumers to identify denomination of the note.
Two banknotes in UAE’s newest series garner industry awards
It is notable that the CBUAE won the “Best New Banknote” award at the 2023 and 2025 High Security Printing EMEA conferences for its 500-Dirham and 1,000-Dirham polymer banknotes, which feature unique designs, technical characteristics, and innovative security features.
Sources/References:
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE)
Banknote Industry News
Khaleej Times
MRI Bankers’ Guide to Foreign Currency
Notafilia
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