Commemorating Leadership: The UAE Launches Gold and Silver Coins in Honor of Founding Fathers
By ARN News Staff
Date: July 1, 2025
In a significant tribute to the foundational figures of the United Arab Emirates, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has unveiled a series of commemorative gold and silver coins celebrating the enduring legacies of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This initiative serves not only as a remembrance of the pivotal contributions of these leaders in establishing the union but also aims to reinforce national identity and instill a sense of loyalty within the local community.
The gold coin, crafted with a diameter of 40 millimeters, features the likenesses of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid on one side. In a poignant display of national pride, the reverse side showcases the emblem of the UAE accompanied by the inscription “Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates,” rendered in both Arabic and English. Weighing in at 40 grams, this exquisite piece of currency will be exclusively available for purchase at the Central Bank’s headquarters located in Abu Dhabi.
Similarly, the silver coin adopts the same design ethos but is slightly larger, measuring 50 millimeters in diameter. It also bears the commemorative phrase in Arabic, elegantly underscoring the significance of this issuance. This silver coin is priced at AED 100 and can be procured through the CBUAE’s official website, thus expanding access to this historic artifact for residents and collectors alike.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, articulated the broader significance of these coins, stating, “This issuance marks the Zayed and Rashid campaign, aiming to solidify the values of unity and development upon which our nation was founded and to highlight inspiring milestones in their journeys. We reaffirm our commitment to immortalizing our national history and fostering it in the hearts of future generations.” This thoughtful declaration reflects an enduring commitment to preserving the UAE’s rich cultural heritage in the collective memory of its citizens.
The establishment of these commemorative coins comes at a time when the UAE is rapidly evolving within the global landscape, embracing modernity while balancing respect for its historical figures. Sheikh Zayed, often referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” played a vital role in the federation’s formation in 1971, advocating for unity and a shared vision of progress. His contemporaneous counterpart, Sheikh Rashid, was instrumental in infrastructural development and economic diversification within what is now one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
The release of these commemorative coins also resonates with the growing trend of integrating historical nostalgia into modern currency. In an age where digital transactions are increasingly prevalent, such physical representations of heritage, craftsmanship, and artistry serve to bridge the gap between the past and the present. Collectors, historians, and the general public alike now have the opportunity to own a piece of their nation’s history, which is a testament to the values instilled by both leaders.
Moreover, the issuance of these coins aligns with broader cultural initiatives aimed at fostering national pride. The UAE has long championed grassroots movements that celebrate its heritage, particularly through events that highlight the UAE’s cultural identity, spanning art, literature, music, and more. This latest initiative further amplifies the narrative of resilience, unity, and innovation that has been central to the UAE’s national ethos.
As the coins enter the marketplace, collectors and citizens alike are encouraged to reflect on the values embodied by these leaders—a legacy of determination, innovation, and community spirit that has paved the way for a future marked by continued aspiration and growth. Through these commemorative coins, the Central Bank of the UAE not only preserves the illustrious past but also envisions a shared future built on the foundations laid by its founding fathers.
In summary, the CBUAE’s issuance of gold and silver commemorative coins serves as a poignant reminder of the UAE’s rich history and the visionary leadership that shaped it. As residents and citizens acquire these coins, they partake in a larger narrative of unity and development, perpetuating the spirit of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid for generations to come.
Tags: #UAE #BusinessNews #EconomyNews #PeopleCultureNews