Commemorative coins are to be minted and placed into circulation to mark the Asian Cup being held in the UAE.
The Central Bank of the UAE has minted 1,000 silver coins, which are worth 50 dirhams each, as part of the footballing festivities.
They have been handed to the football tournament’s organising committee, with the back depicting the Asian Cup logo.
A collection of one dirham coins have also been created, which will be placed into general circulation. One side depicts Mansour and Jarrah, the tournament’s official mascots.
The Asian Cup is currently being hosted in the UAE, with 24 teams aiming to be crowned champions of the continent.
The host nation kicked off their bid for glory with a 1-1 draw with Middle East neighbours Bahrain on Saturday.
The tournament has already thrown up its fair share of surprises, with defending champions Australia losing their opening clash with Jordan and outsiders India thrashing Thailand 4-1.
The UAE are next in action on Thursday, when they take on the surprise package Indian side in Abu Dhabi.
Asian Cup passport stamps have also been rolled out to mark the tournament, which runs until February 1 and is being held across the Emirates.
Previously, the UAE has minted coins to mark special occasions such as the Chess Olympiad in Dubai in 1986 and the country’s qualification for the Italia’ 90 football World Cup.
________________
Read more:
The Emirati superfan whose tears won hearts now dreams of glory at Asian Cup
Biggest ever Asian Cup to bring economic boost to UAE
'Iraq was a tragedy in 2007, but we gave the people hope' says Asian Cup hero