UAE Central Bank unveiled a new Dh1,000 banknote for National Day

The UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) on Friday unveiled a new Dh1,000 banknote for the 51st National Day, that depicts some of the biggest moments in the country's recent history: Space explorations and clean energy. With the images of Sheikh Zayed, the Hope Probe, and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the new Dh1,000 note celebrates not only the UAE's key milestones in recent years but also the grand vision that made them happen. The new banknote will be available in Central Bank branches and ATMs in the first half of 2023. However, the current Dh1,000 note will continue to be in circulation.

The front features an image of the UAE's Founding Father placed in the middle of a space-themed layout. Next to his image is that of a space shuttle and the Hope Probe is just above it. According to the CBUAE, this design, was inspired by a meeting between Sheikh Zayed and the pioneers of Nasa back in 1976. To the left of his image are the words 'Emirates Mission to Explore Mars - the Hope Probe', referring to the historic journey made in 2021. An image of an astronaut acts as a security mark and appears on both sides of the banknote, representing the first Emirati astronaut to reach space.

The back of the note depicts another global achievement for the UAE — the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi. An image of the plant adorns the back side, celebrating the UAE's commitment to cutting carbon emissions and diversifying energy sources.

The note is made of recyclable polymer material, keeping in line with CBUAE's efforts to adopt sustainable practices,. These are more durable than traditional paper banknotes as well, hence they last longer in circulation. The colour characteristics of the note remain the same as the other note of the same denomination, so as to make it easy to identify. It features different shades of brown, in addition to fluorescent blue marks of the UAE nation brand in the centre, and drawings and inscriptions created using advanced intaglio printing techniques.

Advanced security features have also been added. The CBUAE is the first in GCC and Mena regions to issue the largest multi-coloured KINEGRAM® surface applied foil stripe in the new banknote issue. This is done to combat counterfeiting. Prominent symbols have been added in Braille to help blind and visually impaired consumers identify the banknote’s value.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said: “The issuance of the new Dh1,000 banknote comes under the vision of UAE’s President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to keep up with the comprehensive development our country is witnessing, and represent UAE’s global achievements and successes, as well as highlight its future ambitions in various sectors.”

He added: “We work in accordance with the vision of our wise leadership, and the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the CBUAE Board of Directors, in transforming strategic plans, businesses and various projects into reality. This comes in line with our aim to develop the financial sector in the country and realise CBUAE’s vision to be among the top central banks globally in promoting monetary and financial stability, supporting the UAE’s competitiveness and to boost the dirham’s position as an international currency.”