CBUAE Issues Commemorative Coins To Celebrate Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Centenary In 2025

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has partnered with the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation to release silver commemorative coins. These coins celebrate the 100th anniversary of the poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, spanning from 1925 to 2025. This initiative aligns with UNESCO's recognition of Al Owais as a significant poetic figure in the UAE and Gulf region.

Each coin weighs 60 grams and carries a nominal value of AED 100. A total of 1,000 coins will be produced, exclusively available at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation headquarters. The obverse side features a verse from Al Owais’s poetry: "My homeland is my blood, flowing between my wings, as if it and soul are the same."

The reverse side of the coin displays a portrait of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais. It includes inscriptions in both Arabic and English for "Central Bank of the UAE" and "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation." The phrase "Centenary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais" is also inscribed in Arabic, along with the years 1925-2025 and the coin’s face value.

Saif Humaid Aldhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at CBUAE, expressed pride in this collaboration. He stated that it reflects their commitment to honouring cultural pioneers who have enriched creativity in the UAE and Arab world. The coins serve as a tribute to Al Owais's contributions to culture, literature, and poetry.

Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, highlighted UNESCO's designation of 2025 as the Year of Culture. This decision followed a thorough review by UNESCO during its 42nd General Conference session. The review was based on a profile presented by the UAE National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science.

The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award is closely associated with his name. Established in 1987, it has honoured numerous Arab writers and creators for their excellence in literature. This award continues to recognise outstanding achievements in literary fields today.

A Lasting Tribute

The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to CBUAE for its role in issuing this commemorative coin. He noted that it stands as both a historical symbol and an enduring testament to an Emirati poet's moral, material, and intellectual legacy within creative realms.

This coin issuance not only honours Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais but also acknowledges his significant impact on advancing intellectual progress across culture and literature domains.

With inputs from WAM