UAE 5 Dirhams Banknote – Sharjah Palm Market & Seacoast Cove (1982 Issue)
Pick# 7a | TBB# 201 | Numista Ref. N#204120
Issued on 1 September 1982 during the presidency of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this 5 Dirhams note represents the early visual identity of the young United Arab Emirates. Printed on paper and designed in the classic brown‑on‑multicolour palette typical of the 1970s–80s Gulf issues, it captures the country’s heritage through scenes of trade, coastal life, and falconry. As part of the first-generation UAE banknote series (1973–1989), it remains a sought‑after piece for collectors of Middle Eastern and early federation-era currency.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Brown on multicolour underprint
Sharjah market palm at the right, reflecting traditional commerce and oasis agriculture
National Arms of the UAE at upper centre
Arabic script, including the issuing authority: مصرف الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركزي
Denomination in Arabic numerals and text
Reverse
Brown on multicolour underprint
Seacoast cove with a defensive tower, symbolising maritime heritage and coastal settlement
Sparrowhawk at the left, a recurring emblem of Emirati identity and falconry traditions
English inscription: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES CENTRAL BANK
Denomination: FIVE DIRHAMS
Colour & Style
Dominant brown tones with soft multicolour background
Clean, early‑1980s engraving style with minimalistic security elements compared to later issues
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country United Arab Emirates
Issuer United Arab Emirates Central Bank
President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1971–2004)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1982
Denomination 5 Dirhams
Value (approx.) 5 AED ≈ GBP 1.03
Currency Dirham (1973–present)
Composition Paper
Size 141 × 59 mm
Shape Rectangular
Issue Date 1 September 1982
References P# 7, TBB# 201
Watermark Sparrowhawk’s head
Security Features
Watermark of a sparrowhawk’s head
Early-generation micro‑printing and layered underprint patterns
Traditional layout without modern UV or holographic elements
Why Collect This Note
Collectors value the 1982 5 Dirhams note for several reasons:
Represents the early decades of the UAE’s formation and national identity
Features classic Emirati motifs: falconry, coastal defence, and traditional markets
Part of the first long-running paper series before later redesigns
Attractive brown colour scheme and balanced engraving style
Increasingly scarce in high grades due to heavy circulation during the 1980s
Its blend of historical imagery, early-state symbolism, and clean design makes it an appealing addition to any Gulf or world banknote collection. If you’re building a set of pre‑1990 UAE issues, this note is one of the essential pieces.
