UAE currency: This highly cultured Dh500 note is good to have - unless you want to pay for a taxi

Dh500 is the second largest value banknote in general circulation

The UAE's currency was introduced on May 20, 1973, a little over two years after the country was formed.

Prior to the dirham, the rupee, dinar and even the Maria Theresa silver thaler were used.

In this weekly series, The National breaks down the historical and cultural significance of the designs for each of the dirham denominations.

Dh500

The pleasure at having a Dh500 note might be tempered when you try to spend it, with alarm being the general reaction if offered to a taxi driver or corner shop owner.

The second highest value banknote in the UAE may prove a challenge when it comes to getting change, but has literal value when it comes to managing large cash transactions.

It was introduced in 1982, as part of the major reassessment of the country’s banknotes, which led to the end of the Dh1 note and a complete rethink of the currency’s appearance.

The basic design of the Dh500, though, has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years, except for increased anti-forgery measures that includes a see-through “window” introduced in 2011.

The English language face shows Dubai’s Jumeirah Mosque, opened in 1979, and one of the few places of Islamic worship open to non-Muslims. As such it represents both the country’s official faith and its openness and tolerance to other religions.

The Arabic face shows the enlarged profile of a saqer falcon facing left, making the Dh500 the only note to depict two falcons, the second being part of the design of all UAE banknotes.

The saqer is one of the most popular falcons used for hunting, and represents the culture of the UAE. In the wild though, and especially in Asia, its numbers are threatened.

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has been leading conservation efforts for the saqer, including 5,000 artificial nests in Mongolia and measure to prevent electrocution on power pylons.

The inspiration behind the design of the UAE's currency

An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. The gazelle is native to the region and can be found on the 25 fils coin. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Murban 2 oil well in Abu Dhabi, pictured in 1956. The discovery of oil transformed the emirate and eventually the UAE. Three oil derricks are featured on the 50 fils coin. Adnoc

A dallah belonging to Sheikh Zayed in the early 20th century on display during the Majlis Zayed Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The traditional coffee pot, a symbol of Emirati hospitality, appears on the Dh1 coin. Pawan Singh / The National

One of the entrances to the Central Market, also known as the Blue Souq, in Sharjah. The market was built in 1979 and is adorned with Islamic designs. It can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh5. Amy Leang / The National

Salem Al Mutawa Mosque is one of the oldest two in the UAE. About 200 years old, it can be seen on the English side of the Dh5 along with the Khor Fakkan coastline. Antonie Robertson / The National

The khanjar is a curved ceremonial dagger worn by men in the UAE and Oman. An illustration of the knife can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh10. Victor Besa / The National

Date palm tree at Al Dahra farm in Al Ain. A date tree and farm are the main illustrations on the Dh10 note. Pawan Singh / The National

An Arabian dhow at sea in 1973. The vessel features prominently on the Dh20 note. Marion Kaplan

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club opened in 1993 and can be seen on the Arabic side of the Dh20 note. Tourism Ireland

An Arabian oryx at Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai. The species was endangered but conservation efforts, led by Sheikh Zayed, helped it to flourish. It can be seen on the Dh50 note. Gerry O’Leary

Completed in 1898 on the orders of Sheikh Zayed the First, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain is one of the country’s largest. It appears on the English-language side of the Dh50 note. Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism

Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built in 1787. Since then, it has had many uses, even functioning as a prison for outlaws for a time. It can be found on the Arabic face of the Dh100 note. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai World Trade Centre (the grey, rectangular building to the middle left) was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979. The tallest building in the UAE until 1999, it appears on the Dh100 banknote. Alamy

Established in 1980, the UAE Central Bank was preceded by the Currency Board, which issued the country’s first independent currency: the dirham. The headquarters now features on the Dh200 note. Sammy Dallal / The National

Worshippers leave the stadium at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, after Pope Francis led a holy Mass there in 2019. The building opened in 1979 and is featured on the Dh200 banknote. Pawan Singh / The National

Falcons feature on each of the dirham notes, but the beloved bird takes centre stage on the Arabic side of the Dh500. Getty

Sheikh Zayed Bridge was designed by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It was opened in 2010, becoming the third gateway from Abu Dhabi island to the greater emirate. During the Year of Zayed in 2019, a special Dh100 note, which is still in circulation, was printed depicting the bridge. Andrew Henderson / The National

Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai opened in 1979. One of two mosques open to non-Muslims, it is a distinctive feature of the Dh500 note. Getty

Qasr Al Hosn, the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, is on the Arabic side of the Dh1,000 note. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi’s skyline has changed dramatically since the dirham was launched. The UAE’s capital is featured on the Dh1,000 note. Chris Whiteoak / The National