New AED 50 polymer banknote can be used as currency

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has announced that the new AED50 polymer banknote is an official currency and can be used alongside the paper banknote of the same value, currently in circulation.

The new polymer banknote has been distributed to banks and exchange houses, according a CBUAE statement.

This Polymer banknote was created to commemorate the UAE's Golden Jubilee, and honour the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the first generation of rulers of the Emirates, and their dedication and historical role in uniting the country.

Many central banks have found polymer banknotes to be longer-lasting and more environmentally-friendly than paper banknotes. The design of this new banknote contains distinctive aesthetic characteristics, with different shades of violet, fluorescent blue marks of the UAE national brand in the centre, and drawings and inscriptions created using advanced intaglio printing techniques. Prominent Braille symbols are also included to help the blind and visually-impaired users to identify the banknote’s value.

Polymer banknotes can contain many more security features than paper banknotes.