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UAE 500 Dirham Polymer Banknote: Setting High Standards in EMEA Region

by News Editor

February 24, 2025

The UAE Central Bank’s 500 Dirham banknote has been celebrated as the ‘Best New Banknote Issue for 2025’ in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This honor was announced at the prestigious High Security Printing EMEA conference in Basel, Switzerland.

This cutting-edge banknote, part of the UAE’s innovative third polymer series, has been praised for its advanced security features and a design emphasizing sustainability. Building on the technological advancements of the Dh1,000 note issued in 2023, its stunning three-dimensional design includes the largest surface-applied foil stripe in the Middle East.

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Manufactured by Oumolat Security Printing, a subsidiary of the UAE Central Bank, the new note entered circulation on November 30, 2023. It highlights landmarks such as the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai and the Museum of the Future, reflecting the nation’s architectural prowess and dedication to green initiatives. Notably, it incorporates Braille symbols, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity.

The shift to polymer not only extends durability but also reduces environmental impact, as these materials are fully recyclable, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable economy. Similar initiatives can be seen with Cyprus’s own efforts in promoting renewable energy, like those detailed in our article on Cyprus’s Renewable Energy Targets for 2030.

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, noted, “We proudly lead the region in adopting banknotes with advanced security and sustainable materials. Our dedication to accessibility ensures that everyone, including the visually impaired, can easily identify our banknotes.”

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EU Invests €79 Billion In Environmental Protection As Companies Lead Spending

European Union member states invested €79 billion in environmental protection assets in 2025, according to Eurostat, reflecting continued spending on infrastructure aimed at reducing environmental impacts and managing natural resources.

The investment represented 0.4% of the EU’s gross domestic product and 1.9% of total investment across the economy.

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Wastewater Treatment Receives The Largest Share

Wastewater treatment attracted the largest share of environmental protection investment, accounting for 37.7% of total spending. Waste management followed with 27.3%, while air and climate protection projects represented 11.2%.

Companies Lead Environmental Investment

Businesses accounted for €49.6 billion, or 62.7%, of total environmental protection investment. Spending focused on specialised technologies and equipment designed to reduce the environmental impact of production processes.

These investments included equipment to reduce air emissions, the construction and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, vehicles used for waste transport, and waste collection plants. Companies also invested in land for natural reserves and biodiversity protection.

Public Sector Provides The Remaining Investment

General government and non-profit institutions accounted for the remaining 37.3% of environmental protection investment.

Eurostat’s figures show that wastewater treatment, waste management and air and climate protection accounted for the largest share of environmental protection investment across the European Union in 2025.