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

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.

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.”

bbf: Presents :eden coast — The Art Of Living By The Mediterranean

Some destinations are remembered for where they are. Others for how they make us feel.

Life by the Mediterranean has a quality of its own. Defined by light, open horizons and a slower pace, it encourages a way of living where time is measured less by the clock and more by the moments that matter. It is this philosophy that inspired :eden coast.

With the unveiling of :eden coast, bbf: introduces an exceptional collection of beachfront villas in Geroskipou, Paphos, where architecture is conceived as a natural extension of its surroundings. Every residence has been designed to honour the coastline, allowing the sea, the light and the changing seasons to become the defining elements of everyday life.

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At :eden coast, luxury reveals itself with quiet confidence so nothing feels excessive. It is expressed in generous space, carefully composed proportions, enduring materials and an effortless relationship between interior and exterior. Expansive glazing welcomes the Mediterranean sky indoors, while private gardens, terraces and pools encourage a life lived as much outside as within.

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Few locations offer such a natural balance between tranquillity and connectivity. Set along a quieter stretch of Paphos’ coastline, :eden coast enjoys the rare privilege of beachfront living away from the crowds, where the landscape remains unspoilt and the rhythm of the Mediterranean shapes every day. Yet the cultural richness of Paphos, its vibrant dining scene, international airport and every modern convenience are all within easy reach, allowing residents to retreat into complete serenity without ever feeling removed from the world around them.

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Beyond the residences, a carefully curated collection of wellness and leisure experiences extends this philosophy. Landscaped gardens, elegant swimming pools, spaces dedicated to movement and wellbeing, and thoughtfully designed communal areas encourage a slower, richer way of living. They are not amenities in the conventional sense; they are an expression of a lifestyle shaped by balance, privacy and quiet sophistication.

“Our ambition was never simply to create beautiful residences. It was to create a place where architecture, landscape and everyday life exist in complete harmony—a place that feels as though it has always belonged to the coastline,”

says Artem Burtsev at bbf:.

In a world that rarely slows down, :eden coast offers something increasingly rare: the freedom to live at a different pace. Here, mornings begin with the sea, nature sets the rhythm of the day, and the energy of Paphos is always within easy reach. It is a place where tranquillity and connectivity exist in perfect balance, allowing residents to experience the Mediterranean not as a destination, but as a way of life.

For more information:
edencoast.cy
+357 26 962 365

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