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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.”

Cyprus Beer Deliveries Fall 2.3% In First Nine Months Of 2026

Beer deliveries in Cyprus fell by 1.2% year on year in September, as growth in domestic demand failed to offset a sharp decline in exports, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat).

Domestic Market Remains Resilient

Total beer deliveries reached 4.32 million litres in September, down from 4.37 million litres a year earlier. Domestic deliveries increased by 2.4% to 4.29 million litres, compared with 4.19 million litres in September 2025, highlighting the importance of local consumption to the sector.

Exports Drop Sharply

Exports fell by 84.4% year on year to 28,577 litres, from 183,503 litres in September 2025. The decline highlights the volatility of Cyprus’s beer exports, where relatively small volumes can lead to substantial percentage changes.

Deliveries Decline Month On Month

Compared with August 2026, total beer deliveries decreased by 2.2%, from 4.42 million litres. Domestic deliveries rose by 1.5% month on month to 4.29 million litres, up from 4.22 million litres, while exports dropped by 85.1% to 28,577 litres, compared with 192,313 litres in August.

Year-To-Date Deliveries Remain Below 2025 Levels

Between January and September 2026, total beer deliveries amounted to 33.60 million litres. Of this volume, 32.37 million litres went to the domestic market, while 1.23 million litres were exported.

Overall deliveries were approximately 2.3% lower than in the same period of 2025. Domestic deliveries remained broadly stable, declining by around 0.6% year on year, according to Cystat’s monthly percentage changes.

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