UAE 10 Dirhams Polymer Banknote (Issued 2022) Exchange for Cash Today

UAE 10 Dirhams Polymer Banknote – Detailed Design, Security Features and Exchange Guide

The UAE 10 Dirhams Polymer Banknote was introduced in 2022 by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates as part of the country’s latest generation of polymer currency. Predominantly green in colour, the note combines advanced security technology with imagery that reflects both the cultural heritage and modern achievements of the UAE.

Produced on a durable polymer substrate, the banknote is designed to last significantly longer than traditional paper notes while offering enhanced protection against counterfeiting. The note remains legal tender throughout the United Arab Emirates and is one of the most widely circulated denominations in daily use.

Can UAE 10 Dirham polymer banknotes be exchanged?

Yes. The UAE Dirham remains the official currency of the United Arab Emirates. While most UK banks do not exchange UAE banknotes, they can be exchanged through specialist foreign currency exchange services such as Webuyallcurrency.com.

Key information

Front of the banknote

The front of the note features one of the most important religious and architectural landmarks in the United Arab Emirates: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Occupying the centre of the design, the mosque is depicted in remarkable detail. The engraving captures its iconic domes, grand archways, colonnades and towering minarets. The building appears reflected in polished marble courtyards, a feature that mirrors the appearance of the real mosque.

The mosque was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE, and remains one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks.

To the right is a portrait medallion featuring Sheikh Zayed, incorporated into the note’s transparent polymer security window. The portrait is integrated with advanced anti-counterfeiting technology and is one of the most distinctive features of the polymer series.

Additional front features include:

• Arabic denomination text reading “عشرة دراهم” (Ten Dirhams).
• Arabic text identifying the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.
• The Emirates national logo.
• A vertical red serial number.
• Intricate Islamic geometric patterns incorporated into the background design.
• Transparent security elements unique to polymer banknotes.

Reverse of the banknote

The reverse celebrates the UAE’s role as a global commercial and cultural hub.

The dominant feature is a large classical-style building with an impressive colonnaded façade. The structure is depicted with tall pillars, decorative arches and grand architectural proportions. The engraving highlights the UAE’s commitment to culture, education and international engagement.

To the left, the transparent security window again contains a portrait of Sheikh Zayed integrated into the polymer substrate.

The reverse also features:

• “CENTRAL BANK OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES” across the upper portion.
• The denomination “TEN DIRHAMS” prominently displayed at the bottom.
• The year “2022”.
• Fine guilloche patterns and security printing throughout the design.
• Vertical transparent security strips embedded within the polymer material.

The overall composition blends traditional architecture with modern security technology, reflecting the UAE’s balance between heritage and innovation.

Polymer security features

The UAE 10 Dirhams note incorporates numerous advanced security elements, including:

• Transparent windows.
• Portrait security features.
• Microprinting.
• Raised tactile printing.
• Complex geometric anti-counterfeiting designs.
• Colour-shifting security elements.
• Embedded transparent security strips.
• High-definition polymer printing technology.

These features make the note considerably more durable and secure than conventional paper currency.

The significance of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the most visited landmarks in the UAE.

Completed in the early twenty-first century, the mosque combines architectural influences from across the Islamic world. Its white marble construction, eighty-two domes, extensive courtyards and intricate decorative details have made it a symbol of the nation.

Its inclusion on the 10 Dirham note reflects its importance as a place of worship, culture and national identity.

Why polymer banknotes are used

Polymer banknotes offer several advantages over traditional paper notes:

• Greater durability.
• Improved resistance to moisture and damage.
• Enhanced anti-counterfeiting protection.
• Longer circulation life.
• Reduced replacement costs.

The UAE’s polymer banknote programme forms part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s currency system.

Why UK banks do not accept UAE banknotes

Most UK banks do not exchange UAE currency directly, particularly smaller foreign denominations. This often leaves travellers with unused dirhams after returning from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the Emirates.

How to exchange UAE 10 Dirham banknotes

1. Add your UAE banknotes to your account.
2. Enter the quantity you wish to exchange.
3. View your exchange value instantly.
4. Send your currency securely for processing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the UAE 10 Dirham polymer note still legal tender?

Yes. It remains part of the current UAE currency series.

What building appears on the front?

The front depicts the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Who appears in the transparent portrait window?

The portrait shows Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE.

Why is the note made from polymer?

Polymer provides greater durability and significantly enhanced security compared to traditional paper notes.

Can I exchange UAE banknotes in the UK?

Most UK banks do not exchange UAE currency, but specialist services such as Webuyallcurrency.com can process them.

Exchange your UAE banknotes

If you have UAE 10 Dirhams polymer banknotes from a holiday, business trip or overseas travel, Webuyallcurrency.com offers a straightforward way to exchange foreign banknotes and convert unused UAE currency into a convenient payment.