UAE central bank marks MBZUAI’s five-year milestone with commemorative gold and silver coins

The Central Bank of the UAE has issued a limited set of gold and silver commemorative coins to mark five years since the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, recognising the university’s growth and achievements since it welcomed its first students in 2020.The release coincides with the university’s fifth-anniversary celebrations, covering its work and impact from 2020 to 2025. The coins have been delivered directly to the university and will not be sold through the central bank or MBZUAI.

The gold coin features the university’s Knowledge Centre on its obverse, alongside the years 2020 and 2025 to mark the five-year period. The design includes the inscription “Power from Knowledge to Serve”, encircled by the university’s full name in Arabic and English, along with its official logo.On the reverse, the coin carries the UAE national emblem, surrounded by the name Central Bank of the UAE in both Arabic and English.The silver coin also depicts the Knowledge Centre on its obverse, paired with the years 2020 and 2025. This side is enhanced with intricate geometric motifs and framed by the university’s name in Arabic and English, together with its logo.Its reverse displays the nominal value of AED50, encircled by the inscription Central Bank of the UAE in both languages.

The commemorative release consists of 10 gold coins and 500 silver coins, with each coin weighing 50 grams. The small issuance underlines the ceremonial nature of the release, which is intended as a symbolic recognition rather than a commercial offering.

The central bank said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to highlighting national education projects that align with the UAE’s long-term development goals.

The timing of the release mirrors MBZUAI’s five-year journey within the country’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the central bank, said the commemorative coins recognise MBZUAI as a specialised academic model that supports the UAE’s vision of a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI, described the issuance as a meaningful acknowledgement of the university’s role in the nation’s strategic evolution. He said the recognition reflects the UAE’s decision to place artificial intelligence at the core of its national agenda, linking the country’s heritage with the future of advanced technology.