Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (مصرف الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركزي) operates as the central monetary authority overseeing a USD-pegged currency system and recent transition toward polymer banknotes.
Quick Facts
Country: United Arab Emirates
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham
Local name: مصرف الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركزي
Institutional Identity
The Bank operates as the UAE’s central monetary authority, maintaining monetary stability through its fixed peg (3.6725 AED = 1 USD), supervising financial institutions, and issuing currency aligned with a globally integrated, energy-driven economy.
Historical Evolution
Established in 1980, the Bank replaced the UAE Currency Board, with a major transformation beginning in 2021 through the Golden Jubilee 50 Dirham polymer note—commemorating the federation’s founding—followed by a broader transition to polymer banknotes from 2022 onward.
Design Philosophy
Recent Emirati banknotes represent a decisive shift in design philosophy, moving beyond traditional heritage themes toward technological and futuristic imagery, most notably the 1000 Dirham note featuring the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) and an astronaut, alongside the 500 Dirham highlighting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and COP28 sustainability themes, all executed in advanced vertical polymer formats with transparent security windows.
For collectors
For collectors, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates offers one of the most forward-looking modern series, where the Golden Jubilee issue, space-themed designs, and energy-focused motifs create a highly desirable set within both technological and thematic banknote collections.