Meaning of 12 symbols in the UAE currency

Symbols of the UAE Coins

The UAE currency coins are represented in three denominations which are called the “Fils” except the Dhs 1. So basically, there are just 25 fils and 50 fils. In the front side of the UAE coins you can see some historical symbols while the back side is simply an inscription of both the English and Arabic version of “United Arab Emirates”. Ok, so let's move forward to know about those symbols imprinted on the United Arab Emirates coins.

25 Fils - an Arabian Sand Gazelle

This is the smallest currency coin in the UAE which is in a circular form. In the 25 Fils you can see an Arabian sand gazelle which is usually found in the desert of the UAE.

This animal that looks like an antelope is a major wildlife and a native of the UAE. It is believed that the UAE contributed massively to its growth in population to other regions.

50 Fils - Three Standing Oil Derricks

Derricks are machines used to raise heavy objects. So these three oil derricks symbolize oil as a major aspect of the economic upliftment of the UAE. The discovery of oil started in the 1950s while the export commenced in Abu Dhabi in 1962. Before 1952, the 50 fils was round in shape but now its heptagon (7 sides).

Dhs 1 - a Local Tea Pot (Dallah)

A traditional tea pot is represented in the UAE Dhs 1. This symbolises hospitality and friendliness. Tracing back to history, the UAE has been marked with great reception and friendliness towards guests and strangers

So, this strong aspect of the local culture was imprinted on their currency to keep reminding everyone of the country’s cultural heritage. This also encourages any guest or stranger in the UAE to feel at home.

Symbols of the UAE Banknotes

The UAE bank notes start from the Dhs 5 which is the least of the paper currencies. Again, the UAE paper currency has historical symbols and Arabic writings on each note while the other side of the note also contains symbols and English writing. So, we start from Dhs 5 to the highest which is Dhs 1000.

Dhs 5 - the Blue Souq (Arabic side)

The blue souq is also known as the Central Market which is a massive place for trading and shopping in Sharjah. It was constructed in the year 1979 with the best of Arabic designs for beautification. This can be spotted on the Arabic side of the currency note.

The Blue Souq has become a massive center of commerce in Sharjah with more than 500 shops to showcase various market products and activities.

Dhs 5 - Salem Al Mutawa (English side)

The other side of the dhs 5 is a mosque called Salem-Al-Mutawa in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is one of the two oldest mosques in the UAE and was formerly called Al- Jamaa. It is believed to have existed for 200 years.

The other side of the dhs 5 is a mosque called Salem-Al-Mutawa in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is one of the two oldest mosques in the UAE and was formerly called Al- Jamaa. It is believed to have existed for 200 years.

Dhs 10 - a Curved Dagger Khanjar (Arabic side)

This was used for ceremonial purposes in the older days of the Arabic tradition. It was mostly worn by the men from Oman and the UAE for self protection and for hunting. So this dagger stands to symbolize “protection and security” in the UAE and it can still be found today in some Arabic markets. This is shown in the Arabic side of the Dhs 10 currency note

Dhs 10 - Date tree (English side)

On the English side of the Dhs 10 is a date tree with various bunches of fruits. In the older days of this Arabic nation, the date fruit was a major source of sustenance. Today it's also a massive source of economic advantage to the nation. It symbolizes sustainability.

Dhs 20 - Dhow Boat on the Sea (English side)

This is imprinted on the Dhs 20 to symbolize how fishing and sailing were the only reliable means of livelihood and commerce in the older days of the Emiratis. It is shown on the UAE Dirham currency note to remind the people about major ancient means of survival before the discovery of oil. A picture of the Dhow on the sea was captured in the year 1973. This is found on the English side of the currency note.

Dhs 20 - Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club (Arabic side)

On the Arabic side of the currency note you can see the popular Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. It was built in 1993 but was redesigned in 2004. It hosted the first golf academy ever to function in the Middle East. Currently, a lot of fun and touristic activities take place there. It is a great place for tourists.

Dhs 50 - An Oryx (Arabic side)

Just like the sand Gazelle portrayed in the Dhs 5, the Oryx drawn on the Dhs 50 is a specie of antelope that is considered also native to the UAE. It can be found in the desert of the UAE. It is one of the national animals held with much pride. So, this symbolizes the nation's warm relationship towards wildlife. This is shown on the Arabic side of the bank note.

Dhs 50 - Al Fahidi Fort (English side)

This is a very old structure built in 1787. Since then, it has served various purposes, from being a residential place of the monarch to the military weapon storehouse. At some points it was used as a prison house for the fugitives. It was also a strong place of defense and refuge. A picture of the Fahidi Fort reminds people of the constant effort that led the nation to its current progressive state. It serves presently as a fully adorned museum in Dubai with the display of rich cultural heritage and historical facts.

Dhs 100 - World Trade Centre (English side)

The World Trade Center tower was a one-time tallest structure in the UAE. It was fully constructed in 1979 and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II that same year. According to history it was owned by Sheikh Rashid, and today it is used for various social and cultural exhibitions as well as events. It has many commercial offices in it too.

Dhs 100 - Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Abu Dhabi (English side)

This bridge with a fascinating view was built in 2010. The picture was imprinted on the English side of the Dhs 100 in 2019 which is known as the year of Sheikh Zayed. This particular type of Dhs 100 is still in circulation with “ Year of Zayed” witten on the Arabic side of the currency note.

Dhs 200 - The Central Bank of the UAE (English side)

Established on the 19th of May 1973, the Central Bank is the national financial institution for managing financial matters and currencies. So, having the national monetary wealth and policy in preservation, it is considered worthy to portray in the currency, the Dhs 200 in particular.

Dhs 200 - The National Stadium, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi (Arabic side)

This is shown on the Arabic side of the Dhs 200 note. It was built and inaugurated in 1979 by the late Sheikh Zayed, the father of the nation and first president of the UAE. The National Stadium is the largest sports stadium in the UAE. It has a capacity of 45,000 seats.

Dhs 500 - Falcon

If you have ever been to the UAE, there's no doubt you must have noticed how much value the Emiratis place on the falcon. The falcon is the UAE's first bird which is displayed on the national emblem and in all the national currency notes. Looking at all the UAE currency bank notes you can see the Falcon printed by the side, but it is fully shown on the Dhs 500.

So Falcons are highly valued because of their profound intelligence and their great hunting abilities as they were used to hunt and catch prey for their keepers without killing them. Falcons helped people to survive in the desert not so long ago. It symbolizes strength and pride of the nation.

Dhs 1000 - Qasr Al Hosn (Arabic side)

Qasr Al Hosn is an ancient watchtower in Abu Dhabi where Sheik Zayed was born. Just as the name implies, it was built as a point of security for the territory. It also acted as a residence for the royal families. But currently, the Qasr Al Hosn serves as a beautiful museum with many historical figures to behold.

Dhs 1000 - The UAE Skyscrapers (English side)