Product Description:
MetalStacks proudly presents a distinguished piece of Middle Eastern currency with this United Arab Emirates 10 Dirhams (عشرة دراهم / Asharah Darahim) Banknote, issued by the United Arab Emirates Central Bank (مصرف الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركزي) and featuring iconic imagery of Arabian heritage — including the traditional Khanjar dagger, the Saker falcon, and a lush date palm grove.
(PSV 20)
This note represents a fascinating chapter in the monetary history of one of the world's youngest yet most economically transformative nations. Following the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 through the federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah — the UAE established its own national currency, the Dirham (AED), replacing the previous Bahraini Dinar and Qatari/Dubai Riyal systems. This 10 Dirhams note is a tangible artifact of the UAE's emergence as a unified sovereign nation and its remarkable transformation from a region of small fishing and pearl-diving villages into one of the wealthiest and most influential nations in the Middle East.
This particular example is housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly presented within a handsome wood display frame with a black matted backdrop, transforming it into a finished showcase piece ready for immediate display. The note exhibits natural signs of age and circulation consistent with its vintage, including subtle toning, paper texture variations, and minor wear that authentically reflect its journey through the bustling commerce of the Arabian Peninsula. Only one note is available, and it bears a unique serial number, making this a truly one-of-one collectible offering.
Note Information
- Country: United Arab Emirates (الإمارات العربية المتحدة / Al-Imārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah)
- Denomination: 10 Dirhams (عشرة دراهم / Asharah Darahim)
- Currency Code: AED
- Type: UAE Central Bank Banknote
- Serial Number: 24/ج233600
- Obverse Theme: Khanjar (traditional Arabian dagger) — Symbol of Emirati Heritage
- Reverse Theme: Saker Falcon, Date Palm Grove
- Issuing Authority: United Arab Emirates Central Bank (مصرف الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركزي)
- Languages: Arabic (Primary), English (Secondary)
- Grade: Circulated
- Issuer: United Arab Emirates
- Paper Type: Government-issued security cotton banknote paper
- Presentation: Rigid currency holder mounted within a wood display frame
- Availability: One (1) note only
Design Details
Obverse: Features traditional Arabic script and imagery anchored by a beautifully engraved Khanjar (خنجر) — the iconic curved Arabian dagger — on the right side of the note. The intricate engraving captures the ornamental hilt, traditional curved blade, and decorated scabbard characteristic of the ceremonial daggers worn by Emirati men as part of traditional dress. The inscription "الإمارات العربية المتحدة" (Al-Imārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah / "United Arab Emirates") appears across the top in elegant Arabic calligraphy, with "المصرف المركزي" (Al-Maṣraf Al-Markazī / "The Central Bank") prominently displayed beneath it. The denomination "عشرة دراهم" (Asharah Darahim / "Ten Dirhams") appears at the center in formal Arabic script, framed by an ornate circular cartouche featuring the UAE Coat of Arms in red and gold tones. The numeral "10" in Arabic-Indic digits (١٠) appears in ornamental cartouches at both corners, with the serial number 24/ج233600 displayed in red ink in Arabic numerals. Signatures of UAE Central Bank officials appear at the lower portion of the note. The overall color scheme features a sophisticated olive green and golden ornamental background with intricate Islamic geometric patterns — a defining design element of Middle Eastern banknotes that reflects centuries of Islamic art and architectural tradition.
Reverse: Displays a captivating scene of Emirati natural heritage, with the inscription "UNITED ARAB EMIRATES CENTRAL BANK" prominently displayed in English along the top. The central design features a Saker Falcon perched on the left side — the national bird of the UAE and a symbol deeply tied to Emirati heritage through the ancient tradition of falconry. To the right, a lush date palm grove with terraced gardens and additional palm trees creates a verdant landscape representing the agricultural and natural beauty of the Arabian Peninsula. The denomination "TEN DIRHAMS" appears in English beneath the central image, with the numeral "10" displayed in ornamental cartouches at both corners. The reverse is rendered in elegant green ink with intricate guilloché security patterns and Islamic geometric border designs that complement the obverse's traditional aesthetic.
Historical Significance
The United Arab Emirates 10 Dirhams banknote carries significant cultural and historical weight, combining numismatic appeal with deep ties to one of the most remarkable national success stories of the modern era.
Formation of the United Arab Emirates (1971): On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was officially founded through the federation of six emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah — with Ras Al Khaimah joining in 1972 to complete the federation of seven emirates. This historic union, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the UAE's founding father and first president), brought together previously independent Trucial States that had been British protectorates since the 19th century. The formation of the UAE marked the birth of one of the most ambitious nation-building projects of the 20th century.
The UAE Dirham: The Dirham (AED) was introduced in May 1973, replacing the Bahraini Dinar (used in Abu Dhabi) and the Qatar and Dubai Riyal (used in the other emirates). The name "dirham" derives from the ancient Greek drachma, which became a standard currency unit across the Islamic world during the medieval era — connecting the UAE's modern currency to over a thousand years of Middle Eastern monetary tradition. The UAE Dirham has been pegged to the U.S. Dollar since 1997 at a fixed rate of 3.6725 AED to 1 USD, providing exceptional currency stability that has made the Dirham one of the most reliable currencies in the region.
The Khanjar — Symbol of Emirati Identity: The traditional Khanjar (خنجر) depicted on the obverse is far more than decorative — it is one of the most important symbols of Emirati and Gulf Arab cultural identity. Worn by men on ceremonial occasions and during formal events, the Khanjar represents honor, courage, manhood, and tribal heritage. The ornate craftsmanship of these daggers — often featuring intricately worked silver or gold hilts and curved sheaths decorated with traditional motifs — reflects the artistic mastery of Arabian metalworkers across generations. The Khanjar's prominence on the UAE 10 Dirhams note signals the nation's commitment to preserving traditional Emirati heritage alongside its rapid modernization.
The Saker Falcon — National Bird of the UAE: The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) depicted on the reverse is the official national bird of the UAE and holds profound cultural significance throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Falconry (الصقارة / Al-Saqaarah) has been practiced in the UAE for over 2,000 years and was traditionally an essential survival skill for Bedouin tribes hunting in the desert. Today, falconry remains a cherished cultural tradition — recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 — and the falcon is featured on the UAE's national emblem, passport, and numerous official symbols. The bird's inclusion on this banknote celebrates the deep cultural bond between Emiratis and these magnificent birds of prey.
The Date Palm — Tree of Life: The lush date palm grove (نخيل التمر / Nakhīl Al-Tamr) shown on the reverse represents one of the most important cultural and agricultural symbols of the Arabian Peninsula. Known as the "Tree of Life," the date palm has been cultivated in the UAE for over 7,000 years and provided food, shelter, and resources essential to survival in the harsh desert environment. Dates remain a staple food of Emirati cuisine and are deeply integrated into religious practices — particularly during Ramadan, when fasts are traditionally broken with dates. The UAE is today one of the world's largest date producers, and the date palm has been designated as the national tree of the UAE.
The UAE Central Bank: Established in 1980, the United Arab Emirates Central Bank (مصرف الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركزي) is the federal monetary authority responsible for issuing the Dirham, formulating monetary policy, and regulating the UAE's banking and financial sectors. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Central Bank has played a foundational role in establishing the UAE as one of the most sophisticated financial centers in the Middle East. Under its stewardship, the UAE has grown into a global financial hub, home to major financial centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that rival London, New York, and Singapore.
Bilingual Heritage: The use of both Arabic and English on the banknote reflects the UAE's unique position as a global crossroads of cultures. While Arabic is the official language and primary script on the note, the English inscriptions acknowledge the UAE's role as a major international business and tourism hub welcoming visitors and residents from around the world. This bilingual approach has been a hallmark of UAE currency since its inception.
Islamic Geometric Design Tradition: The intricate geometric patterns and ornamental borders that frame the note's design reflect the rich heritage of Islamic art and architecture — a tradition spanning over 1,400 years across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. These patterns, with their mathematical precision and aesthetic harmony, also serve as advanced security features, with the fine detail being extremely difficult to counterfeit.
Presentation
This vintage UAE banknote is securely housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly mounted within a wood display frame with a black matted background, ready for immediate display on a desk, shelf, mantel, or wall. The framed setup protects the note while allowing full visibility of its design, vibrant green color scheme, traditional Khanjar engraving, Arabic calligraphy, falcon and date palm imagery, and serial number. As with all MetalStacks offerings, the note has been carefully handled and verified for authenticity.
Because only one example is available, the exact note shown — including its distinct serial number and individual condition — is the note you will receive.
For additional details or collector inquiries, please contact MetalStacks at (561) 529-3001.