An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. The gazelle is native to the region and can be found on the 25 fils coin. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. The gazelle is native to the region and can be found on the 25 fils coin. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Murban 2 oil well in Abu Dhabi, pictured in 1956. The discovery of oil transformed the emirate and eventually the UAE. Three oil derricks are featured on the 50 fils coin. Adnoc
The Murban 2 oil well in Abu Dhabi, pictured in 1956. The discovery of oil transformed the emirate and eventually the UAE. Three oil derricks are featured on the 50 fils coin. Adnoc
A dallah belonging to Sheikh Zayed in the early 20th century on display during the Majlis Zayed Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The traditional coffee pot, a symbol of Emirati hospitality, appears on the Dh1 coin. Pawan Singh / The National
A dallah belonging to Sheikh Zayed in the early 20th century on display during the Majlis Zayed Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The traditional coffee pot, a symbol of Emirati hospitality, appears on the Dh1 coin. Pawan Singh / The National
One of the entrances to the Central Market, also known as the Blue Souq, in Sharjah. The market was built in 1979 and is adorned with Islamic designs. It can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh5. Amy Leang / The National
One of the entrances to the Central Market, also known as the Blue Souq, in Sharjah. The market was built in 1979 and is adorned with Islamic designs. It can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh5. Amy Leang / The National
Salem Al Mutawa Mosque is one of the oldest two in the UAE. About 200 years old, it can be seen on the English side of the Dh5 along with the Khor Fakkan coastline. Antonie Robertson / The National
Salem Al Mutawa Mosque is one of the oldest two in the UAE. About 200 years old, it can be seen on the English side of the Dh5 along with the Khor Fakkan coastline. Antonie Robertson / The National
The khanjar is a curved ceremonial dagger worn by men in the UAE and Oman. An illustration of the knife can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh10. Victor Besa / The National
The khanjar is a curved ceremonial dagger worn by men in the UAE and Oman. An illustration of the knife can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh10. Victor Besa / The National
Date palm tree at Al Dahra farm in Al Ain. A date tree and farm are the main illustrations on the Dh10 note. Pawan Singh / The National
Date palm tree at Al Dahra farm in Al Ain. A date tree and farm are the main illustrations on the Dh10 note. Pawan Singh / The National
An Arabian dhow at sea in 1973. The vessel features prominently on the Dh20 note. Marion Kaplan
An Arabian dhow at sea in 1973. The vessel features prominently on the Dh20 note. Marion Kaplan
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club opened in 1993 and can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh20 note. Tourism Ireland
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club opened in 1993 and can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh20 note. Tourism Ireland
An Arabian oryx at Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai. The species was endangered but conservation efforts, led by Sheikh Zayed, helped it to flourish. It can be seen on the Dh50 note. Gerry O’Leary
An Arabian oryx at Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai. The species was endangered but conservation efforts, led by Sheikh Zayed, helped it to flourish. It can be seen on the Dh50 note. Gerry O’Leary
Completed in 1898 on the orders of Sheikh Zayed the First, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain is one of the country’s largest. It appears on the English-language side of the Dh50 note. Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism
Completed in 1898 on the orders of Sheikh Zayed the First, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain is one of the country’s largest. It appears on the English-language side of the Dh50 note. Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism
Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built in 1787. Since then, it has had many uses, even functioning as a prison for outlaws for a time. It can be found on the Arabic face of the Dh100 note. Pawan Singh / The National
Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built in 1787. Since then, it has had many uses, even functioning as a prison for outlaws for a time. It can be found on the Arabic face of the Dh100 note. Pawan Singh / The National
Dubai World Trade Centre (the grey, rectangular building to the middle left) was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979. The tallest building in the UAE until 1999, it appears on the Dh100 banknote. Alamy
Dubai World Trade Centre (the grey, rectangular building to the middle left) was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979. The tallest building in the UAE until 1999, it appears on the Dh100 banknote. Alamy
Established in 1980, the UAE Central Bank was preceded by the Currency Board, which issued the country’s first independent currency: the dirham. The headquarters now features on the Dh200 note. Sammy Dallal / The National
Established in 1980, the UAE Central Bank was preceded by the Currency Board, which issued the country’s first independent currency: the dirham. The headquarters now features on the Dh200 note. Sammy Dallal / The National
Worshippers leave the stadium at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, after Pope Francis led a holy Mass there in 2019. The building opened in 1979 and is featured on the Dh200 banknote. Pawan Singh / The National
Worshippers leave the stadium at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, after Pope Francis led a holy Mass there in 2019. The building opened in 1979 and is featured on the Dh200 banknote. Pawan Singh / The National
Falcons feature on each of the dirham notes, but the beloved bird takes centre stage on the Arabic side of the Dh500. Getty
Falcons feature on each of the dirham notes, but the beloved bird takes centre stage on the Arabic side of the Dh500. Getty
Sheikh Zayed Bridge was designed by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It was opened in 2010, becoming the third gateway from Abu Dhabi island to the greater emirate. During the Year of Zayed in 2019, a special Dh100 note, which is still in circulation, was printed depicting the bridge. Andrew Henderson / The National
Sheikh Zayed Bridge was designed by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It was opened in 2010, becoming the third gateway from Abu Dhabi island to the greater emirate. During the Year of Zayed in 2019, a special Dh100 note, which is still in circulation, was printed depicting the bridge. Andrew Henderson / The National
Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai opened in 1979. One of two mosques open to non-Muslims, it is a distinctive feature of the Dh500 note. Getty
Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai opened in 1979. One of two mosques open to non-Muslims, it is a distinctive feature of the Dh500 note. Getty
Qasr Al Hosn, the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, is on the Arabic side of the Dh1,000 note. Victor Besa / The National
Qasr Al Hosn, the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, is on the Arabic side of the Dh1,000 note. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi’s skyline has changed dramatically since the dirham was launched. The UAE’s capital is featured on the Dh1,000 note. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Abu Dhabi’s skyline has changed dramatically since the dirham was launched. The UAE’s capital is featured on the Dh1,000 note. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Heritage

UAE currency: the power of Dh10 – a banknote that celebrates Emirati culture

Redesigned in 1982, the Dh10 note seen today is vastly different from the original (Slide to reveal)

James Langton
James Langton
United Kingdom

May 27, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

The UAE's currency was introduced on May 20, 1973, a little over two years after the country was formed.

Prior to the dirham, the rupee, dinar and even the Maria Theresa silver thaler were used.

In this weekly series, The National breaks down the historical and cultural significance of the designs for each of the dirham denominations.

Dh10

First issued in 1973, the original Dh10 banknote would be unrecognisable today. Printed in dark grey ink on a background mostly of shades of pale green, the Arabic face carried the composite mark of a sailing dhow and the outline of the UAE Gulf coast above a line of camels, and framed with a palm tree, oil derrick and a string of pearls.

The English side was printed with an aerial image of Umm Al Quwain, with the words “United Arab Emirates currency board".

A framed Dh10 bank note from 1973. Christopher Pike / The National
A framed Dh10 bank note from 1973. Christopher Pike / The National

In 1982, the Dh10 note was replaced with the design familiar today, with images that reflect aspects of life and culture. The Arabic face features a khanjar, the carved dagger worn by Emirati men at ceremonies. The central watermark includes the crest of the UAE, with the spread wings of the Hawk of Quraish, the tribe of the Prophet Mohammed.

On the reverse, the English language face is a composite of a farm, complete with rows of crops alongside trees and date palms. In the foreground is the crown of a date palm, laden with ripe fruit. Each side is a powerful statement of the importance of tradition and the bounty of nature in Emirati culture, both close to the heart of Sheikh Zayed.

Ensuring sustainable agriculture was one of the main goals of Sheikh Zayed, who said: "Provide me with sustainable agriculture, I will ensure you a civilised society."

The Dh10 has been reissued many times since then, most recently in 2017 with some changes, including the font of the Arabic script and enhanced security, but at heart remains as timeless as the way of life it commemorates.

The inspiration behind the design of the UAE's currency

An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. The gazelle is native to the region and can be found on the 25 fils coin. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. The gazelle is native to the region and can be found on the 25 fils coin. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Murban 2 oil well in Abu Dhabi, pictured in 1956. The discovery of oil transformed the emirate and eventually the UAE. Three oil derricks are featured on the 50 fils coin. Adnoc
The Murban 2 oil well in Abu Dhabi, pictured in 1956. The discovery of oil transformed the emirate and eventually the UAE. Three oil derricks are featured on the 50 fils coin. Adnoc
A dallah belonging to Sheikh Zayed in the early 20th century on display during the Majlis Zayed Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The traditional coffee pot, a symbol of Emirati hospitality, appears on the Dh1 coin. Pawan Singh / The National
A dallah belonging to Sheikh Zayed in the early 20th century on display during the Majlis Zayed Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The traditional coffee pot, a symbol of Emirati hospitality, appears on the Dh1 coin. Pawan Singh / The National
One of the entrances to the Central Market, also known as the Blue Souq, in Sharjah. The market was built in 1979 and is adorned with Islamic designs. It can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh5. Amy Leang / The National
One of the entrances to the Central Market, also known as the Blue Souq, in Sharjah. The market was built in 1979 and is adorned with Islamic designs. It can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh5. Amy Leang / The National
Salem Al Mutawa Mosque is one of the oldest two in the UAE. About 200 years old, it can be seen on the English side of the Dh5 along with the Khor Fakkan coastline. Antonie Robertson / The National
Salem Al Mutawa Mosque is one of the oldest two in the UAE. About 200 years old, it can be seen on the English side of the Dh5 along with the Khor Fakkan coastline. Antonie Robertson / The National
The khanjar is a curved ceremonial dagger worn by men in the UAE and Oman. An illustration of the knife can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh10. Victor Besa / The National
The khanjar is a curved ceremonial dagger worn by men in the UAE and Oman. An illustration of the knife can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh10. Victor Besa / The National
Date palm tree at Al Dahra farm in Al Ain. A date tree and farm are the main illustrations on the Dh10 note. Pawan Singh / The National
Date palm tree at Al Dahra farm in Al Ain. A date tree and farm are the main illustrations on the Dh10 note. Pawan Singh / The National
An Arabian dhow at sea in 1973. The vessel features prominently on the Dh20 note. Marion Kaplan
An Arabian dhow at sea in 1973. The vessel features prominently on the Dh20 note. Marion Kaplan
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club opened in 1993 and can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh20 note. Tourism Ireland
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club opened in 1993 and can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh20 note. Tourism Ireland
An Arabian oryx at Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai. The species was endangered but conservation efforts, led by Sheikh Zayed, helped it to flourish. It can be seen on the Dh50 note. Gerry O’Leary
An Arabian oryx at Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai. The species was endangered but conservation efforts, led by Sheikh Zayed, helped it to flourish. It can be seen on the Dh50 note. Gerry O’Leary
Completed in 1898 on the orders of Sheikh Zayed the First, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain is one of the country’s largest. It appears on the English-language side of the Dh50 note. Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism
Completed in 1898 on the orders of Sheikh Zayed the First, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain is one of the country’s largest. It appears on the English-language side of the Dh50 note. Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism
Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built in 1787. Since then, it has had many uses, even functioning as a prison for outlaws for a time. It can be found on the Arabic face of the Dh100 note. Pawan Singh / The National
Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built in 1787. Since then, it has had many uses, even functioning as a prison for outlaws for a time. It can be found on the Arabic face of the Dh100 note. Pawan Singh / The National
Dubai World Trade Centre (the grey, rectangular building to the middle left) was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979. The tallest building in the UAE until 1999, it appears on the Dh100 banknote. Alamy
Dubai World Trade Centre (the grey, rectangular building to the middle left) was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979. The tallest building in the UAE until 1999, it appears on the Dh100 banknote. Alamy
Established in 1980, the UAE Central Bank was preceded by the Currency Board, which issued the country’s first independent currency: the dirham. The headquarters now features on the Dh200 note. Sammy Dallal / The National
Established in 1980, the UAE Central Bank was preceded by the Currency Board, which issued the country’s first independent currency: the dirham. The headquarters now features on the Dh200 note. Sammy Dallal / The National
Worshippers leave the stadium at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, after Pope Francis led a holy Mass there in 2019. The building opened in 1979 and is featured on the Dh200 banknote. Pawan Singh / The National
Worshippers leave the stadium at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, after Pope Francis led a holy Mass there in 2019. The building opened in 1979 and is featured on the Dh200 banknote. Pawan Singh / The National
Falcons feature on each of the dirham notes, but the beloved bird takes centre stage on the Arabic side of the Dh500. Getty
Falcons feature on each of the dirham notes, but the beloved bird takes centre stage on the Arabic side of the Dh500. Getty
Sheikh Zayed Bridge was designed by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It was opened in 2010, becoming the third gateway from Abu Dhabi island to the greater emirate. During the Year of Zayed in 2019, a special Dh100 note, which is still in circulation, was printed depicting the bridge. Andrew Henderson / The National
Sheikh Zayed Bridge was designed by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It was opened in 2010, becoming the third gateway from Abu Dhabi island to the greater emirate. During the Year of Zayed in 2019, a special Dh100 note, which is still in circulation, was printed depicting the bridge. Andrew Henderson / The National
Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai opened in 1979. One of two mosques open to non-Muslims, it is a distinctive feature of the Dh500 note. Getty
Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai opened in 1979. One of two mosques open to non-Muslims, it is a distinctive feature of the Dh500 note. Getty
Qasr Al Hosn, the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, is on the Arabic side of the Dh1,000 note. Victor Besa / The National
Qasr Al Hosn, the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, is on the Arabic side of the Dh1,000 note. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi’s skyline has changed dramatically since the dirham was launched. The UAE’s capital is featured on the Dh1,000 note. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Abu Dhabi’s skyline has changed dramatically since the dirham was launched. The UAE’s capital is featured on the Dh1,000 note. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Whiile you're here
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
While you're here
Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

The specs

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic

Power: 375bhp

Torque: 520Nm

Price: Dh332,800

On sale: now

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

Transgender report
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
On Women's Day

Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Greatest Royal Rumble match listing

50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Rusev

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v Kalisto

While you're here
While you're here
The specs: 2017 Dodge Viper SRT

Price, base / as tested Dh460,000

Engine 8.4L V10

Transmission Six-speed manual

Power 645hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 813Nm @ 5,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 16.8L / 100km

Simran

Director Hansal Mehta

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey

Three stars

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

TOUR RESULTS AND FIXTURES

June 3: NZ Provincial Barbarians 7 Lions 13
June 7: Blues 22 Lions 16
June 10: Crusaders 3 Lions 12
June 13: Highlanders 23 Lions 22
June 17: Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32
June 20: Chiefs 6 Lions 34
June 24: New Zealand 30 Lions 15 (First Test)
June 27: Hurricanes 31 Lions 31
July 1: New Zealand 21 Lions 24 (Second Test)
July 8: New Zealand v Lions (Third Test) - kick-off 11.30am (UAE)

MATCH INFO

South Africa 66 (Tries: De Allende, Nkosi, Reinach (3), Gelant, Steyn, Brits, Willemse; Cons: Jantjies 8) 

Canada 7 (Tries: Heaton; Cons: Nelson)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE At 50UAE