UAE

Heritage

UAE currency: Dh1,000 bill is one of the highest-value banknotes

From forts to flora and fauna, the design of the UAE's currency has evolved over the years

James Langton
James Langton

July 01, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

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 and dinar were used, as was the Maria Theresa thaler – a silver bullion coin in circulation since 1741.

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

Dh1,000

Many will never have seen or held a Dh1,000 note, the history of which is equally elusive.

The highest-value banknote in the UAE, it was a part of the first issue in 1973 but was dropped from circulation in 1982 before reappearing in 1998.

It comes into its own for large cash transactions. Worth US$272, it is one of the highest-value banknotes in the world, although falls somewhat short of Brunei’s B$10,000 note, exchanged at astonishing US$7,440. Try offering that to a taxi driver.

UAE currency

The two versions of the Dh100 notes in your wallet

The disappearing Dh200 note that changed colours many times

The original Dh1,000 issue was printed in blue with a design on the English side featuring two views of Al Ain’s Al Jahili fort, one incorporating a minaret. The note would disappear for 16 years, by which time Al Jahili had moved over to the Dh50.

The returning Dh1,000 note came with a new look that incorporated complex shades of brown and green, part of anti-forgery measures.

The English-language face is a view of the Abu Dhabi skyline as seen from the waters off the Corniche.

The Arabic face shows the distinctive north-east tower of Qasr Al Hosn, also known as Burj Al Hamam, or Tower of Pigeons, because of the birds once kept there.

For those keeping count, forts or palaces have appeared on seven UAE banknotes since 1973, more than any other subject.

The inspiration for 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
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Profile Idealz

Company: Idealz

Founded: January 2018

Based: Dubai

Sector: E-commerce

Size: (employees): 22

Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)

if you go

The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow. 
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes). 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results

4pm: Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)

4.35pm: Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m; Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

5.10pm: Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Canvassed, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

5.45pm: Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

6.20pm: Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O’Meara

6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

7.30pm: Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Final Song, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

More from this story
SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

Updated: July 01, 2021, 4:00 AM`
UAE

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