14 March – The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in partnership with the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, has released a silver commemorative coin to celebrate the 100th anniversary of renowned Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais (1925-2025).
This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s recognition of the poet’s centenary, acknowledging Al Owais as one of the most influential literary figures in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
A Tribute to a Literary Pioneer
Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais’ legacy extends beyond his poetry. His name is associated with the prestigious Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award, which has recognized the achievements of Arab writers and intellectuals since its establishment in 1987. The award remains a significant honor in the field of Arabic literature.
Design and Features of the Commemorative Coin
The silver coin carries a special tribute to Al Owais. The obverse side showcases a verse from his poetry:
“My homeland is my blood, flowing between my wings, as if it and soul are the same.”
The reverse side features a portrait of the poet, along with inscriptions in both Arabic and English: “Central Bank of the UAE” and “Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation.” It also includes the phrase “Centenary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais,” along with the years 1925-2025 and the coin’s face value.
Each coin weighs 60 grams and has a nominal value of AED 100. A total of 1,000 pieces will be issued, available exclusively at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation headquarters.
Recognizing Cultural Contributions
Saif Humaid Aldhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at CBUAE, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:
“We take pride in this initiative, which reflects the Central Bank’s commitment to honoring cultural and literary pioneers who have contributed to intellectual and creative progress in the UAE and the Arab world.”
Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, expressed gratitude for the collaboration. He noted that UNESCO’s recognition of 2025 as the “Year of Culture” in honor of Al Owais followed a thorough review of the poet’s contributions, presented by the UAE’s National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science during the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference.
Ahmed described the commemorative coin as a lasting symbol of Al Owais’ literary and cultural impact, preserving his legacy for future generations.
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