1960 Qatar & Dubai 1 Riyal Banknote – Qatar & Dubai Currency Board | P‑1 | N#224852
The 1960 Qatar & Dubai 1 Riyal banknote represents the very first official currency issued jointly for the territories of Qatar and Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s monetary history. Released under the authority of the Qatar & Dubai Currency Board and during the rule of Emir Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani, this note served as the foundation of a unified currency system prior to the later adoption of the Qatari Riyal.
Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.—renowned for their crisp intaglio engraving—this early issue is now fully demonetized and increasingly scarce, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Gulf‑region currency and Middle Eastern numismatics.
Key Specifications
Location: Qatar and Dubai
Issuing Institution: Qatar & Dubai Currency Board
Emir: Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani (1960–1972)
Type: Standard circulation banknote
Year: 1960
Value: 1 Riyal
Currency: Riyal (1966–1973)
Composition: Paper
Size: 110 × 53 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Demonetized: Yes
References: P‑1 / N#224852
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., United Kingdom
Watermark: Falcon’s head
Signature: Khalifa bin Hamad Al‑Thani (Chairman of the Currency Board)
Design Overview
Obverse
A predominantly green‑printed design featuring a framed vignette to the left that symbolises the economic identity of the region:
A traditional dhow boat representing maritime heritage
An oil derrick reflecting the emerging petroleum economy
A palm tree symbolising prosperity and life in the Gulf
Arabic script is used throughout, with the layout and engraving style characteristic of early Bradbury Wilkinson work.
Reverse
Printed in green and purple, the reverse presents a clean, symmetrical layout with the denomination “1 RIYAL” at the centre. English text reads:
QATAR & DUBAI CURRENCY BOARD 1 RIYAL
The bilingual presentation reflects the international commercial environment of the Gulf during the 1960s.
Security Features
Falcon’s head watermark – a recurring symbol in early Gulf banknotes
Signature of Khalifa bin Hamad Al‑Thani – Chairman of the Currency Board
High‑quality intaglio engraving – typical of Bradbury Wilkinson’s precision craftsmanship
Collector Appeal
First Issue of the Qatar & Dubai Currency Board – A foundational note in the region’s monetary history.
Demonetized & Scarce – Early Gulf notes were heavily circulated, making well‑preserved examples increasingly rare.
Classic 1960s Gulf Imagery – Dhow, oil derrick, and palm tree motifs capture the era’s economic transformation.
British Engraving Quality – Bradbury Wilkinson’s crisp linework and colour layering enhance its desirability.
Strong Middle Eastern Numismatic Demand – Early joint‑issue notes remain a core target for collectors.
Summary
The 1960 Qatar & Dubai 1 Riyal (P‑1) stands as a landmark early‑issue banknote that reflects the shared economic and political landscape of Qatar and Dubai before their separate monetary paths. With its dhow‑and‑derrick vignette, bilingual layout, falcon watermark, and Bradbury Wilkinson engraving, it remains a historically significant and visually appealing piece for collectors of Gulf‑era currency and early Currency Board issues.
