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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Cyprus And Greece Outline Joint Tourism Plans For Summer 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 1, 2026

Strategic Partnership Enhances Tourism Prospects

The Cyprus Tourism Authority (EOT Cyprus) presented proposals for summer 2026 focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, with joint efforts aimed at attracting visitors from long-haul markets.

Greece: The Top Destination For Cypriot Travelers

At an event on April 28, Athena Spakouri, Director of EOT Cyprus, said Greece is expected to remain the main travel destination for Cypriot residents, with plans extending beyond established locations to include lesser-known regions. This approach reflects a broader effort to diversify travel options while maintaining strong demand between the two countries.

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Complementary Destinations, Unified Vision

Building on this, Spakouri noted that Cyprus and Greece offer complementary tourism experiences rather than competing directly. Joint programmes are therefore being positioned to attract visitors from markets such as the United States and China, while tourism activity continues to be assessed in the context of broader geopolitical developments.

Robust Air And Sea Connectivity

Supporting this cooperation, Konstantinos Kollias said around 600,000 Cypriots travelled to Greece in 2025. Frequent flights, short travel times, and ferry connections between Limassol and Piraeus continue to facilitate movement between the two countries and sustain travel flows.

Diverse Tourism Offerings for a New Era

Konstantinos Kollias highlighted that Greece’s tourism portfolio spans from traditional seaside holidays to sectors such as cultural, religious, gastronomic, agritourism, ecotourism, spa, conference, and medical tourism.

This range reflects the expansion of tourism offerings across different segments and travel preferences. In parallel, Joseph Iosif referred to Greece as a “second homeland” for Cypriot travellers, pointing to longstanding cultural and travel links between the two countries.

Innovative Programs And Strengthened Connections

Building on this approach, the EOT strategy includes initiatives focused on gastronomic routes, cultural trails, thematic and religious tourism, as well as curated city breaks in destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These programmes were presented at the event alongside references to historical, cultural, and religious connections between Cyprus and Greece, including remarks from Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

Boosting Air Connectivity And Island Accessibility

At the same time, airlines including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways outlined plans to expand connections between Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on increasing access to island destinations. The event also brought together stakeholders from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Hermes Airports, tour operators, and ACTAA, reflecting coordination across different parts of the tourism sector.

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