MSCS U2 - L1 Realizing The Value of Money Notes
MSCS U2 - L1 Realizing The Value of Money Notes
MSCS U2 - L1 Realizing The Value of Money Notes
The Dubai currency name ‘dirham’ traces its roots to the ancient Greek word ‘drachmae,’ which translates to
‘handful’ in English. This historical link tells about the region’s longstanding trade and currency exchange
tradition, possibly going back to when economic transactions were done through the bartering system.
Coins in the UAE come in various denominations—1 fils, 5 fils, 10 fils, 25 fils, 50 fils and 1 dirham. The
smaller denominations are available in bronze, while the larger ones are made of cupro-nickel. Due to their
minimal value and infrequency in everyday transactions, the 1, 5, and 10 fils coins are rarely encountered,
leading to the rounding of amounts to the nearest 25 fils.
The obverse (front) of these coins each has a unique symbol, with the Hijri and Gregorian years of mint
embossed below. The reverse (back) of the UAE coins usually features the lettering ‘United Arab Emirates’
in English and Arabic, along with the coin’s denomination. All numbers on the UAE coins are represented in
Arabic characters.
AED 5 – SALEM AL MUTAWA AND BLUE OUQ OR AJMAN FORT AND RAS AL KHAIMAH’S
DHAYAH FORT
The UAE currency sign on the original five dirham banknote portrays Salem Al Mutawa, a prominent figure
whose life and legacy are deeply woven into the nation’s history. His inclusion in the currency is a powerful
symbol of his significant contribution to the UAE’s historical narrative.
The UAE introduced a new 5 dirham polymer note in 2022 with the same colour scheme as the older one. The
note’s design depicts the Ajman Fort (which has now turned into the Ajman Museum) on the front side.
AED 10 – OMANI DRAGGER AND DATE TREES OR SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE AND
KHORFAKKAN THEATRE
The old 10 dirham note, still in use, features the Omani dagger, also known as the Omani Khanjar.
Historically used for hunting by men, it has become an enduring symbol of the UAE’s rich heritage and
represents power and tradition.
Launched in 2022, the new 10 dirham banknote features the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the Arabic side,
an iconic landmark in Abu Dhabi. The awe-inspiring symbol of Sharjah’s Khorfakkan Amphitheatre graces
the back of the denomination or the English side.
AED 20 – DHOW SAILING BOAT AND DUBAI CREEK GOLF AND YACHT CLUB
The iconic dhow boat appears on the English side of the AED 20 currency note. Early-day Emiratis relied
almost solely on fishing and pearl diving for their income. These traditional sailing vessels would take divers
and fishermen to sea for months.
Sailing and free diving were dominant occupations among most local men. Like other national symbols, this
serves as a reminder of the pre-oil era in the UAE, when men needed to rely on dhow boats to survive.
AED 50 – AL FAHIDI FORT AND ARABIAN ORYX OR FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE UAE
The old 50 dirham note still in use features the Arabian Oryx – the UAE’s national animal and a significant
UAE currency symbol. Native to the UAE, the Oryx roams the land with pride.
Furthermore, on its 50th anniversary, the UAE introduced a new 50 dirham note. The front of the banknote
features a memorial portrait of the UAE’s Founding Fathers after they signed the union document.
The reverse side of the note has a picture of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (first president
of the UAE) signing the Union Agreement on 2nd December 1971 and an image of the Etihad Museum.
AED 200 – THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE UAE AND THE NATIONAL STADIUM AT ZAYED
SPORTS CITY
The Central Bank of the UAE is the entity responsible for managing the country’s currency, which makes it a
fitting symbol on the 200 dirham note.
Along with the building image, the note features a picture of a falcon, the national bird of the UAE. Hued in
light shades of orange and yellow, the 200 dirham note looks alluring.
AED 500 – THE FALCON AND THE JUMEIRAH MOSQUE OR TERRA SUSTAINABILITY
PAVILION AND MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
You may already know the importance of these majestic birds and their central role in Emirati culture. It
resulted in the much-loved tradition of falconry today. Bedouins first used these birds for hunting small prey
native to the desert.
The UAE currency name and symbol on the other side of the old 500 dirham note is the Jumeirah Mosque.
This iconic landmark and one of the largest mosques in Dubai represents the country’s religious heritage and
cultural diversity. Notably, the Jumeirah Mosque was one of the first in the UAE to open its doors to non-
Muslims, signifying the nation’s openness and tolerance.
The new polymer AED 500 banknote features a prominent image of the Terra Sustainability Pavilion on the
obverse side. This remarkable structure portrays the UAE’s commitment to environmental responsibility,
boasting a design that achieves net zero energy and water usage. Additionally, subtle details reveal images of
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, embedded within the pavilion’s windows.
On the reverse side, this UAE currency symbol reveals the Museum of the Future, characterised by its unique
oval shape. The iconic Emirates Towers are flanking the museums, a pair of skyscrapers symbolising the
city’s economic prowess and the famous Burj Khalifa.
AED 1,000 – QASR AL HOSN AND SKYSCRAPERS OR THE SPACE SHUTTLE/ HOPE PROBE
AND BARAKAH NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANT
The Dubai currency sign on the old 1,000 dirham note shows Qasr Al Hosn, an ancient watchtower in Abu
Dhabi where the first president of the UAE was born. Previously, the tower was a residence for the royal
families, but now, it is a beautiful museum with many historical figures to behold.
The flip side of the AED 1,000 banknote shows a picture of the UAE skyscraper in 1998. Considering how
far UAE has come today, the word skyscraper might not be appropriate to describe the buildings shown in the
picture. However, it portrays the country’s commitment to overcome all hindrances and make progress.
The largest denomination of bank notes in the UAE is the 1,000 dirham note. The UAE Central Bank
(CBUAE), for the 51st National Day, released a new 1,000 dirham banknote, which features different hues of
brown, classic ‘blue marks of the UAE nation brand’, drawings and inscriptions. space-themed layout.
The new design has a space-themed layout, featuring a portrait of UAE’s founding father and a space shuttle,
with the words, ‘Emirates Mission to Explore Mars – the Hope Probe’, referring to the UAE’s 2021 mission
to Mars – on the front.
A picture of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant graces the back side of the note, representing the UAE’s
commitment to sustainability. The recyclable polymer note also features an image of an astronaut on both
sides. To combat counterfeiting, the CBUAE has added advanced security features like ‘KINEGRAM foil
stripe’ to the new note.