UAE currency: A pocketful of history

The UAE’s currency is the dirham, which is divided into 100 fils. Different denominations of the dirham notes carry fine line drawings of notable UAE landmarks.

The dirham was put into circulation in 1973 two years after the UAE was formed, when it replaced both the Bahraini dinar (favoured by Abu Dhabi) and Qatari riyal (favoured by Dubai) which had been used since 1966. For many decades previously, the emirates had used the Gulf rupee, as well the golden pound or the silver Maria Theresa dollar.

DH100: Dubai World Trade Centre

Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum ordered the construction of the Dubai World Trade Centre, which started in 1974 and was completed in 1979. It was considered the tallest structure on Shaikh Zayed Road at that time.

It aims to play a crucialrole in promoting trade with the wider region and opening doors for business opportunities with the world. It has become the region’s largest multipurpose complex for events and exhibitions. The complex now includes hotels, exhibition halls and serviced apartment blocks.