...United Arab Emirates - 50 Dirhams Commemorative 50th Year Of The Union Agreement Polymer Banknote

 دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

(Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah)

(United Arab Emirates)

United Arab Emirates Central Bank
Currency : Dirham (AED)

This is a 50 dirhams commemorative note released to the public on 07.12.2021. This note was issued to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the formation of the federation of seven sheikhdoms, called the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 02.12.1971.

 

The union was declared on 02.12.1972 after the signing of the Union Agreement by the seven rulers of the Trucial States at the Palace of Hospitality in Jumeirah in Dubai. The seven Emirates are Abu Dhabi (the largest of the group), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimal and Fujairah. The idea of the union first started between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with the discussion first stated on 18.02.1968. The two rulers agreed in principle with the union and later invited the remaining of the five rulers of the Trucial States to join in the negotiations to form a larger union. Further meetings were held between 25-27.02.1968, which included all the other five rulers from the Trucial States plus both Qatar and Bahrain. However, both Qatar and Bahrain later decided to opt out of this union and went their separate ways. 

 

There were few reasons as to why both Bahrain and Qatar did not want to join the union. At the time of discussion, Bahrain was a more advanced State and wanted the capital to be in Bahrain. Also the union discussion first started around 1968 and at that time, the late Shah of Iran had a historical claim on Bahrain and if the new union was formed, it would provide Bahrain some form of security against Iran's claim. In March 1970, the Shah of Iran abandoned the claim on Bahrain. Obviously, the union would provide all the States, especially those smaller members a better form of protection against any territory claims against them by their larger neighbours. Qatar decided to opt out as they do not want other members in the union to interfere with their internal affairs.

 

The formation of the union was agreed on 18.07.1971 without the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah as it was undecided at that time. The union was then declared on 02.12.1971 with Ras al Khaimah later joined on 10.02.1972. The newly formed federal state became officially known as Dawlat al Imarat al Arablyya al Muttahida or the United Arab Emirates.

 

At the time of the union formation, the leaders of these seven Emirates were; -

Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004) Founding father & President;

Dubai - Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912-1990) Vice President;

Sharjah - Sheikh Khalig bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1927-1972);

Ajman - Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (1902-1981);

Umm Al Quwain - Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla (1902-1981);

Ras Al Khaimah - Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1918 – 2010); and

Fujairah - Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (1908-1974).

 

Even the Emir of Ras al Khaimah was undecided whether to join the union or not until 10.02.1972, they were represented at the signing of the Union Agreement. It should also be noted that at the time of the signing of the agreement, the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain was represented by his son, the crown prince Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla (b.1932-2009) as Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla was not well. As you can see from the above, none of the signatories lived long enough to witness this golden jubilee celebration.

 

This note is printed on polymer substrate, and is the first denomination of the Third Family of notes. This is the first time a polymer note is issued in the UAE. It is also reported that this polymer note is printed by a security firm called Oumolat Security Printing LLC, which is also based in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is now one of the few countries around that world that have issued banknotes in cotton based paper, hybrid and now polymer.

Fifty Dirhams

Seven Rulers from the Trucial States

Front - Memorial picture taken after the signing of the Union Agreement. On the left is the Martyrs Memorial, which is called Wahat al Karama or Oasis of Dignity. This is a war memorial monument built in Abu Dhabi and is dedicated to the heroes of the Emirates. This monument was unveiled to the public on 30.11.2016. On the right is the image of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan. An outline map of the United Arab Emirates is also printed on the left, plus seven vertical bars in multiple colours forming the shape of the Union (UAE) as well.

Back - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan signing the Union agreement and the Etihad Museum.

 

Signature

Governor - Khalid Mohammed Balama (since 05.04.2021)

Dimensions - 151mm x 67.5mm

 

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan signing the Union agreement

 

Below is a group photo taken after the signing of the Union agreement in 1972.

courtesy of the nationalnews.com

I believe these were the Emirs from the above photo taken, from L-R:

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum,

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, and

Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla (son - representing his father Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla).

 

All the people in the above photo are now deceased, including Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla. If any readers think that I have the names in order are not correct, please feel free to let me know. Many thanks.