Today's Edition
Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) issued a new polymer Dh 100 banknote on Tuesday, meant to update the denomination to the latest modern security features but also reflect and document the rich historical journey of the country.
The freshly introduced Dh100 polymer note, adorned in shades of red, maintains the traditional colour palette familiar to Emiratis and residents alike. However, it embodies significant innovations that echo the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and economic advancement.
Featuring the Um Al Quwain National Fort, the note connects Emiratis to their cultural past, while on its reverse, depictions of the bustling Port of Fujairah and the ambitious Etihad Rail symbolise the UAE’s dynamic evolution into a global trade and logistics hub.
Looking back through archival photographs, one sees how the UAE's 100 dirham note has continually evolved to represent changing priorities and national milestones. Initially issued following the UAE’s formation in 1971, the earliest iterations of the Dh100 note were originally yellow-green and prominently displayed traditional imagery of a Khor Fakkan scene with dhow, mosque and fish market present.
In the 1980s and 1990s, with the UAE rapidly expanding into a hub of commerce and innovation, the design of the banknote adapted accordingly taking on it’s distinctive pink colour in 1982. Symbols of economic progress and infrastructure began to appear on the notes, such as the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai World Trade Centre Tower in Dubai. Although, Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai continued to be present on one side of the note bridging between tradition and modernity.
Entering the 2000s, the Dh100 banknote started incorporating enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and instill greater consumer confidence. Technological advancements such as holographic strips and sophisticated watermarking techniques became standard.
Today's release of the polymer note continues this trajectory. Notably, the polymer material ensures longer durability—at least twice the lifespan of traditional paper notes—and contributes directly to sustainability goals outlined by UAE leadership. Enhanced features such as SPARK Flow® DIMENSIONS and KINEGRAM COLORS® technology are meant to enhance the anti-counterfeiting measures to the best available worldwide.
Moreover, in a notable effort towards inclusivity, the latest Dh100 banknote includes Braille symbols, significantly assisting visually impaired users in identifying currency denominations.
"The new banknote reflects our commitment to the nation's vision for a sustainable future and enhanced financial competitiveness. It honors our historical heritage while simultaneously symbolising the ambitious path we are forging ahead." His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said.
“Its design embodies the country's ambitious aspirations for future progress and prosperity, while honoring its historical and cultural heritage. We are pleased to announce this special issue in conjunction with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.”
