UAE 100 Dirhams Banknote (Issued 1973) Sell old UAE Notes

Exchange Old UAE 100 Dirhams Banknote (Issued 1973)

The UAE 100 Dirhams banknote issued in 1973 was the highest denomination in the first banknote series released by the United Arab Emirates Currency Board. Introduced shortly after the formation of the federation, the note represented confidence in the new national currency and reflected the country’s heritage, geography and growing economic ambitions.

Featuring a distinctive green and cream colour scheme, the 100 Dirham note combines traditional symbols found across the inaugural series with a detailed coastal landscape that highlights the natural beauty of the Emirates. Today, this historic banknote serves as an important reminder of the UAE’s early years as a unified nation.

Can UAE 100 Dirham banknotes still be exchanged?

Many older UAE banknotes remain exchangeable through specialist currency exchange providers. Whilst historic notes are rarely accepted by UK banks, eligible UAE banknotes can often be exchanged through services such as Webuyallcurrency.com.

Key Information

Front of the Banknote

The front follows the design style used throughout the first UAE currency series.

At the centre is a circular vignette featuring a traditional dhow sailing vessel above a caravan of camels crossing the desert. Together, these images represent the historic foundations of life in the Emirates before the modern era.

A palm tree appears to the left of the scene, symbolising agriculture, oasis settlements and prosperity, while an oil derrick stands to the right, reflecting the importance of petroleum resources in the country’s development.

Below the central image hangs a string of pearls, commemorating the pearl diving industry that once formed the backbone of many coastal economies throughout the Gulf.

Arabic inscriptions identify the denomination as one hundred dirhams, while detailed geometric patterns frame the design.

Reverse of the Banknote

The reverse presents one of the most scenic designs in the original UAE banknote series.

The engraving depicts a coastal settlement set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Traditional wooden boats rest along the shoreline while larger vessels are shown under construction or repair, highlighting the long-standing maritime traditions of the region.

The mountainous landscape is believed to represent the eastern coastline of the UAE, where rugged peaks rise sharply from the Gulf of Oman. A mosque and lighthouse can be seen within the settlement, illustrating the importance of religion, trade and navigation in coastal communities.

A falcon appears prominently on the left side of the note, continuing the national theme seen across the series.

The words “United Arab Emirates Currency Board” appear at the top of the note, while “One Hundred Dirhams” is displayed along the lower edge.

Historical Importance

When the UAE Dirham was introduced, it provided the newly formed federation with a unified monetary system that supported economic growth and national integration.

The 100 Dirham denomination was particularly important for larger commercial transactions and reflected confidence in the stability of the new currency.

The note’s imagery was carefully chosen to represent both the traditional economy of the Emirates and the country’s aspirations for future development.

Design Symbolism

The note contains several important national symbols:

• Dhow – maritime trade and fishing heritage.
• Camel caravan – desert life and traditional commerce.
• Palm tree – prosperity and oasis agriculture.
• Pearls – the historic pearling industry.
• Oil derrick – economic growth and modernisation.
• Falcon – Emirati culture and heritage.
• Coastal settlement – community life and maritime traditions.
• Mountain landscape – the diverse geography of the UAE.

Together these elements create one of the most visually detailed and historically significant designs of the first UAE banknote series.

Why UK Banks Do Not Accept Historic UAE Banknotes

Most UK banks do not exchange withdrawn foreign banknotes, particularly older issues that are no longer commonly encountered in circulation.

For this reason, owners of historic UAE currency often use specialist exchange services that focus on foreign banknotes and older currency issues.

How to Exchange Your Banknotes

1. Enter the quantity of UAE 100 Dirham banknotes you wish to exchange.
2. Add them to your exchange account.
3. Receive an instant exchange valuation.
4. Send your banknotes securely for verification and processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issued the UAE 100 Dirhams banknote?

The note was issued by the United Arab Emirates Currency Board.

When was this banknote introduced?

It formed part of the first UAE banknote series issued in 1973.

What appears on the front of the note?

The front features a dhow, camel caravan, palm tree, oil derrick and pearl motif.

What is shown on the reverse?

The reverse depicts a coastal settlement, traditional boats, mountains, a mosque and a falcon.

Is this banknote still in circulation?

No. This is a historic issue from the UAE’s original currency series.

Exchange Your UAE Banknotes

Older UAE banknotes often resurface years later in collections, inherited possessions or travel memorabilia. If you have UAE 100 Dirhams banknotes issued in 1973, Webuyallcurrency.com provides a straightforward way to determine whether they remain exchangeable and helps transform unused foreign currency into cash rather than leaving it forgotten in storage.