To mark the 100th anniversary of renowned Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in collaboration with the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, has issued commemorative silver coins. These special coins, released in celebration of Al Owais’s centenary, aim to honor his significant contributions to UAE and Gulf literature.
Each silver coin weighs 60 grams and holds a nominal value of Dh100. A total of 1,000 coins will be issued. The CBUAE will hand over the coins to the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, where they will be available exclusively for purchase at the foundation’s headquarters.
Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais is celebrated as one of the UAE’s most influential poets. His work holds a prominent place in the literary landscape of the region. The obverse of the coin features a powerful poetic line from his work: “My homeland is my blood, flowing between my wings, as if it and soul are the same.” This line highlights his deep connection to his homeland and his enduring legacy.
The reverse side of the coin displays a portrait of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, along with inscriptions in both Arabic and English, identifying the coin’s issuer and commemorating the poet’s centenary. The phrase “Centenary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais” is also included, along with the years 1925-2025, marking the milestone of his birth and life’s work.
The issuance of these commemorative coins is part of the CBUAE’s recognition of Al Owais’s lasting influence on the cultural, literary, and intellectual progress in the UAE. Saif Humaid Aldhaheri, the CBUAE’s Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services, emphasized that the coins serve as a tribute to the poet’s memory and contributions.
Al Owais is also closely linked to the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award, a prestigious honor for Arab writers and creatives, established in 1987. The award continues to recognize excellence in literature and the arts today.
In addition to the centenary coins, UNESCO has designated 2025 as the Year of Culture to honor Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais’s achievements. This designation follows a thorough review of his contributions to literature, presented by the UAE’s National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science during the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference.
The CBUAE’s issuance of silver coins is another step in celebrating the poet’s legacy, following their earlier release of commemorative coins marking the UAE central bank’s Golden Jubilee.
