The UAE's AED 500 bill wins best banknote award 2025

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has been awarded the 'Best New Banknote Issue' for 2025 for the AED 500 note in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

The announcement was made during the High Security Printing EMEA conference held in Basel, Switzerland and was awarded as the banknote features a design that reflects the UAE's journey in the field of sustainability and embodies the Central Bank's strong commitment to promoting sustainable solutions in the financial sector.

The recognition is also attributed to the CBUAE's implementation of the latest technical specifications and advanced security features. The banknote has three-dimensional designs and the incorporation of advanced security technologies.

These technologies were previously employed in the award-winning ‘Best New Banknote 2023’ edition of the AED 1000 banknote. The achievement establishes the UAE as the first country in the Middle East to issue banknotes featuring the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe.

This banknote, part of the third polymer series, was printed by Oumolat Security Printing, a fully owned subsidiary by CBUAE, and entered circulation on 30th November 2023.

Its issuance supports the UAE's transition to a green economy to ensure a future based on sustainable development. In a strategic move towards sustainability, the CBUAE opted for polymer material, making the new banknotes more durable and longer lasting than traditional banknotes. This material, fully recyclable, significantly reduces its environmental impact. 

,Also on display is the image of the architecture of the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, a testament to the UAE's commitment to a sustainable future rooted in the principles laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

The reverse side highlights the Museum of the Future in Dubai, bridging the past with the future as an architectural and engineering marvel. Also prominent on the reverse side of the polymer banknote is an image of iconic landmarks, namely Emirates Towers, and the Burj Khalifa on the right side, which is the world’s tallest building standing at 828 meters high with more than 160 floors, is a beacon of sustainability as it derives most of its power from solar.

The banknote also has included prominent symbols in braille to help blind and visually impaired consumers in recognising the banknote and determining its value.