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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Fuel Prices Face Upward Pressure Amid Regional Instability

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 2, 2026

Rising Wholesale Costs Set The Stage

Fuel prices are expected to rise in Cyprus over the next 10 days, according to Savvas Prokopiou, Chairman of the Petrol Station Owners’ Association. He said wholesale prices paid by station operators have increased by 10–12% since last Friday, which is likely to translate into higher retail prices.

Comparative Analysis: Then And Now

Prokopiou noted that current price increases are not expected to match the sharp spikes seen at the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022. While oil prices have risen, market movements remain more moderate than during the earlier shock, reducing the risk of extreme short-term volatility.

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Ensuring Supply Amid Uncertainty

Dinos Lefkaritis, Executive Managing Director of fuel provider Petrolina, provided reassurances regarding the fuel supply in Cyprus. With reserves estimated to last around 15 days, Lefkaritis stated that the current stock levels are deemed satisfactory despite ongoing market volatility.

Diverse Sourcing And Supply Security

Lefkaritis said fuel cargoes were still being loaded from Israel until Sunday, with further decisions depending on updates from the Haifa refinery. Petrolina has also secured alternative supply routes through Greece, Malta, and Italy to reduce the risk of shortages. The diversified sourcing strategy is intended to maintain supply continuity even as regional conditions remain unstable.

Market Uncertainty and Forward Outlook

Industry representatives say future price movements remain difficult to predict, as fuel markets continue to react to regional tensions and global supply dynamics. The direction and scale of further increases will depend on developments in energy markets over the coming weeks.

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