The Central Bank of the UAE has unveiled a limited-edition series of gold and silver commemorative coins to celebrate five years since Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence officially opened its doors. The special issuance reflects both the rapid rise of the university and the nation’s broader ambitions in artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
Announced on Monday, 9 February 2026, the commemorative coins honour the journey of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) from its launch in 2020 to its fifth anniversary in 2025. The initiative highlights how far the institution has come in a relatively short span of time and underscores the UAE’s growing reputation as a global hub for innovation.
A Tribute in Gold and Silver
To mark the milestone, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) issued a total of 10 gold coins and 500 silver coins. The limited number adds exclusivity and symbolic value to the collection, making each piece not only a commemorative item but also a historic artefact representing a defining chapter in the UAE’s innovation journey.
Each gold coin weighs 50 grams and features carefully crafted details that pay tribute to MBZUAI’s identity and mission. On one side, the coin displays an image of the university along with the years 2020–2025, marking the period since its official opening. The reverse side bears the UAE national emblem, encircled by the name “Central Bank of the UAE” written in both Arabic and English.
The design also includes the inscription “Power from Knowledge to Serve,” a phrase that captures the university’s ethos. Surrounding this message is the full name “Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence” in Arabic and English, alongside the university’s logo. The attention to detail ensures that the coin is both visually striking and rich in meaning.
The silver coin mirrors the same design elements. On its reverse side, however, it bears the value of “AED50,” distinguishing it as legal tender while maintaining its commemorative character.
Both gold and silver coins will be available for sale at the Central Bank of the UAE and at MBZUAI, offering collectors, supporters, and members of the academic community the opportunity to own a piece of this historic milestone.
Celebrating Five Years of Vision and Impact
MBZUAI officially opened in 2020 as the world’s first graduate-level, research-based university dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence. In just five years, the institution has positioned itself as a leading centre for AI research, education, and innovation.
The fifth anniversary, marked in 2025, is more than just a date on the calendar. It represents the growth of a bold national vision aimed at embedding artificial intelligence into key sectors such as healthcare, energy, transportation, and government services. Through research breakthroughs, global partnerships, and a diverse student body, MBZUAI has contributed to shaping the future of AI both regionally and internationally.
The issuance of commemorative coins is a symbolic gesture, yet it carries profound significance. It acknowledges the dedication of students, faculty, researchers, and leaders who have built the institution from the ground up. It also reflects the UAE’s strategic commitment to nurturing knowledge-based industries and empowering future generations through education.
A Symbol of National Ambition
The move by the Central Bank reinforces how artificial intelligence is no longer confined to laboratories or academic journals. It has become part of the nation’s identity and long-term development strategy. By minting gold and silver coins in honour of MBZUAI’s anniversary, the UAE is placing innovation at the heart of its cultural and economic narrative.
Commemorative coins have long been used worldwide to celebrate milestones, national achievements, and historic figures. In this case, the coins serve as a reminder of how quickly the UAE has embraced emerging technologies and turned ambition into tangible progress.
The inclusion of the UAE national emblem on the reverse side of the gold coin further strengthens this message. It signals that MBZUAI’s achievements are intertwined with the country’s broader aspirations. The surrounding inscription of “Central Bank of the UAE” in both Arabic and English reflects the nation’s global outlook and inclusive approach to progress.
From Vision to Reality
When MBZUAI was first announced, it was viewed as a bold and forward-thinking initiative. Establishing a dedicated AI university was not only innovative but also strategic. It aligned with the UAE’s broader plans to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional sectors.
Five years later, the university stands as proof that long-term planning and investment in knowledge can yield transformative results. Graduates have gone on to contribute to cutting-edge research and real-world AI applications. Faculty members have produced influential studies, while partnerships with global institutions have strengthened the UAE’s standing on the international stage.
The commemorative coins capture this journey in a tangible form. The engraved years 2020–2025 represent a period of rapid growth, experimentation, and achievement. The phrase “Power from Knowledge to Serve” speaks to the university’s mission of using artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges and benefit society at large.
A Collector’s Piece with Lasting Meaning
Beyond their monetary value, the coins carry emotional and symbolic weight. For students and alumni, they represent pride in being part of a pioneering institution. For collectors, they offer a rare and limited-edition item tied to a defining era in technological advancement.
With only 10 gold coins and 500 silver coins issued, demand is expected to be high. Each 50-gram gold coin stands as a premium collectible, while the silver coin, marked with “AED50,” provides a more accessible yet equally meaningful keepsake.
The release also highlights the role of national institutions in celebrating academic and technological milestones. By collaborating with MBZUAI, the Central Bank has reinforced the importance of education and research in shaping the nation’s future.
Strengthening the UAE’s Global AI Leadership
As the UAE continues to position itself as a global leader in innovation and advanced technology, initiatives like this reinforce the message that artificial intelligence is central to the country’s development strategy.
The fifth anniversary of MBZUAI marks a significant checkpoint in a much longer journey. The commemorative coins symbolise not just past achievements, but also future aspirations. They embody a story of vision, courage, and commitment to knowledge.
In celebrating five years of MBZUAI, the UAE is not simply looking back. It is affirming its belief in the transformative power of education, research, and innovation. Through these gold and silver coins, the nation honours a milestone that reflects both pride in progress and confidence in what lies ahead.
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