500 Note : The United Arab Emirates has once again secured its place on the global financial innovation map, with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) winning the prestigious “Best New Banknote Issue” award for 2025 in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The award, presented at the High Security Printing (HSP) EMEA conference held in Basel, Switzerland, recognized the AED 500 polymer banknote for its excellence in design, advanced security features, and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
This recognition marks another significant milestone for the CBUAE in its journey to modernize the country’s currency, aligning with the UAE’s broader national vision for digital advancement, green development, and accessibility for all citizens and residents.
A Polymer Masterpiece: Redefining Durability and Environmental Impact
Introduced into circulation on November 30, 2023, the AED 500 banknote is part of the third series of the UAE’s national currency and represents a significant departure from traditional paper banknotes. It is printed on polymer substrate, a synthetic material that is more resilient, hygienic, and environmentally sustainable than paper.
Polymer banknotes are known to last two to three times longer than their paper counterparts. They are resistant to water and dirt, and most importantly, they are recyclable. This shift aligns closely with the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable economy and is a practical step in reducing the carbon footprint of its financial infrastructure. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote green practices across sectors, in line with the country’s Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative.
The AED 500 banknote was produced by Oumolat Security Printing, a cutting-edge facility fully owned by the CBUAE and dedicated to the production of secure currency. The polymer note follows the success of the AED 1,000 polymer note, which previously won the same award in 2023, indicating the UAE’s continued leadership in the secure and sustainable currency space.
Visual Elegance Meets National Identity
One of the standout features of the AED 500 note is its artistic design that beautifully captures the spirit of the UAE’s innovation and cultural pride. The front side of the note features the Terra Sustainability Pavilion, one of the central structures of Expo 2020 Dubai (now Expo City Dubai). The Terra Pavilion was designed to raise awareness about ecological preservation and sustainability, making it a fitting representation for a note that itself promotes environmental responsibility.
The reverse side of the note showcases several of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks: the Museum of the Future, the Emirates Towers, and the Burj Khalifa. The Museum of the Future symbolizes the nation’s investment in technological advancement and AI-driven development, while the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, represents architectural excellence and the UAE’s reach toward global prominence. The fact that the Burj Khalifa derives much of its energy from solar sources adds yet another layer of meaning to its presence on a polymer note aimed at promoting sustainability.
These visual elements not only enhance the aesthetic value of the currency but also serve as a source of national pride, reinforcing the message of progress, unity, and a forward-looking vision.
Advanced Security Features: A Technological Leap Forward
Security remains a top priority for the CBUAE, and the AED 500 note incorporates some of the most advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies available today. A key feature is the multi-colored KINEGRAM COLORS® stripe—a large, dynamic foil element developed by German security technology firm KURZ. This stripe features an image of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, rendered in a holographic design that shifts and changes with light and movement.
The application of this stripe on a wide transparent window in the polymer note creates both a striking visual effect and a formidable barrier against counterfeiting. In fact, the foil stripe on the AED 500 is currently the largest surface-applied security stripe in any banknote issued within the EMEA region.
Other security measures include tactile marks to aid in validation, color-changing ink, and microtext features that are difficult to replicate without specialized technology. These innovations ensure that the note remains not only visually striking but also functionally robust against fraud and unauthorized duplication.
Inclusion and Accessibility: A Note for All
The new AED 500 banknote exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to inclusivity, with carefully designed features that support individuals with visual impairments. Braille symbols are prominently embossed on the note to assist blind and partially sighted users in easily identifying the denomination. This initiative ensures that the national currency is usable by all segments of society and supports the UAE’s vision of building an inclusive and accessible environment for every resident.
This effort is more than just a design feature—it reflects the core values of equality and respect that underpin the country’s social development goals. By incorporating accessibility features into its banknotes, the CBUAE sets an example for other central banks around the world to follow.
Recognition on the Global Stage
The High Security Printing EMEA award is one of the most respected accolades in the field of banknote design and production. The event brings together professionals from central banks, security printing firms, and technology providers to recognize excellence in currency innovation. For the UAE to win this award twice in just three years (with the AED 1,000 in 2023 and now the AED 500 in 2025) signals not only national excellence but also global leadership in currency technology.
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the CBUAE and Chairman of Oumolat Security Printing, expressed great pride in the achievement. In a statement, he said:
“The Central Bank of the UAE’s AED 500 banknote winning the ‘Banknote of the Year’ award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to be at the forefront of introducing secure, environmentally conscious, and inclusive banknotes in the region. This recognition reflects our nation’s values and our determination to continually enhance the quality and integrity of our currency.”
Implications for the Financial Sector
The introduction and recognition of the AED 500 banknote have far-reaching implications for the region’s financial sector. With an increasing shift towards digital payments, the relevance of physical cash is often questioned. However, the CBUAE has made a clear statement: cash still has an essential role in the economy, especially when it combines technological sophistication with user-centered design.
Furthermore, the polymer note’s durability reduces the frequency of replacement, leading to significant cost savings for the banking system over time. Its recyclability also means a reduction in landfill waste, supporting the country’s broader environmental targets.
In addition, the secure design promotes trust in the currency—critical for both domestic users and international investors. As the UAE continues to establish itself as a global business hub, a trusted and secure financial infrastructure is key to attracting capital and facilitating trade.
Conclusion: Currency as a Symbol of Progress
The AED 500 banknote is more than just a medium of exchange; it is a powerful symbol of the UAE’s aspirations, values, and accomplishments. From its eco-conscious material to its sophisticated security features and inclusive design, it captures the essence of a modern, forward-thinking nation.
Winning the “Best New Banknote Issue” award for 2025 is not just a recognition of design or technology—it is a recognition of leadership. The UAE has shown the world that even in a rapidly digitalizing landscape, there is room for innovation, sustainability, and beauty in physical currency.
As the CBUAE continues to pioneer new standards in banknote production, the AED 500 note stands as a shining example of how a country can merge tradition with transformation—creating a currency that not only serves the people but also inspires them.
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