The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has been awarded the Best New Banknote Issue for 2025 for its Dhs 500 banknote. The award was announced at the High Security Printing EMEA Conference, held in Basel, Switzerland in February 2025.
The third-generation polymer note, which entered circulation on 30 November 2023, was designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing durability. It incorporates cutting-edge security features, including three-dimensional designs and the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe, ensuring superior protection against counterfeiting.
The note was produced by Oumolat Security Printing, a fully-owned subsidiary of the CBUAE dedicated to high-security printing solutions.
The front of the banknote features the Terra Sustainability Pavilion at Expo City Dubai, symbolising the UAE’s commitment to a green economy. On the back, the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa are depicted, reflecting the country’s ambition and innovation.
In line with the UAE’s inclusivity goals, the banknote includes Braille symbols, allowing visually impaired individuals to identify its value easily.
This achievement follows the CBUAE’s success in 2023, when its Dhs 1,000 banknote won a 'Best New Banknote 2023' award for innovative security and sustainability features.