UAE central bank issues new AED100 polymer banknote with advanced security features

2025-03-25 00:50:00

Abstract: UAE's Central Bank issued a new 100 dirham polymer banknote. It features advanced security, cultural symbols, and promotes sustainability. It circulates alongside the existing one.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) officially issued the new 100 dirham polymer banknote today. The banknote features an innovative design and advanced security features, highlighting the UAE's leading position in the field of sustainable development.

This new 100 dirham banknote is part of the CBUAE's third issuance project of national currency. Its design highlights the UAE's success story, showcasing cultural and developmental symbols, and depicting the UAE's journey to becoming a global economic and commercial hub connecting continents.

His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, said: "The new 100 dirham banknote reflects our commitment to the leadership's vision of a sustainable future, achieved through initiatives and achievements that support net-zero emissions and enhance the nation's financial competitiveness. Its design embodies the nation's ambition for future progress and prosperity, while respecting its history and cultural heritage. We are pleased to announce the issuance of this special edition during the Eid celebrations."

The design of the new 100 dirham banknote has a unique aesthetic, using a variety of red hues. To ensure public recognition, the CBUAE has retained the color characteristics of the current denomination. In addition, the design incorporates the UAE nation brand and uses advanced printing techniques to depict patterns and inscriptions.

The front of the new banknote features the Umm Al Quwain National Fort, a historical and culturally significant monument and a national attraction connecting the past and present. The back features the Port of Fujairah, one of the largest ports in the UAE and an important shipping and maritime center. In addition, the back also showcases the Etihad Rail network, which connects the seven emirates and extends to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

To enhance consumer confidence and combat counterfeiting, the new 100 dirham banknote incorporates advanced security features, including modern technologies such as SPARK Flow® DIMENSIONS and a multi-colored security chip technology called KINEGRAM COLORS®.

Polymer banknotes are more durable and sustainable than traditional paper banknotes, with a circulation life more than twice as long. In this issuance, the CBUAE has fully considered the needs of all banknote users, adding prominent Braille symbols to help blind and visually impaired consumers identify the value of the banknote.

The new banknote has been in circulation alongside the existing 100 dirham banknote since March 24. The central bank has instructed all banks and exchange houses to program cash deposit machines and counting equipment to ensure that these new banknotes seamlessly integrate with existing paper and polymer banknotes, and their value is guaranteed by law.

The CBUAE won the "Best New Banknote" award at the High Security Printing Europe, Middle East and Africa Conference in 2023 and 2025 for its 500 dirham and 1000 dirham polymer banknotes, which are unique in design, technical features and innovative security features.