Coins…
History in your pocket
Did you know that you are carrying a bit of the history and culture of the UAE in your pockets? Have you ever noticed what is depicted on the coins?
We have three: 1 AED, 50 fils, and 25 fils.
On the 1 AED coin, you’ll find the symbol of the Dallah, the traditional coffee pot of the Emirates. The ceremony and ritual of preparing and serving coffee, known as Gahwa, has been included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is, of course, a symbol of hospitality and friendship.
Then, we have the oil derrick on the 50 fils coin. Oil was first extracted and exported in 1966!
On the 25 fils coin, there's an animal. Many people think that the national animal of the country is the camel (more precisely, the dromedary) or the falcon (which is actually the animal featured on every government emblem). However, the true national symbol of UAE is the small Maha, an oryx, which you might occasionally see roaming freely, especially at resorts on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Do you know why? What’s the story behind the Maha?
Join me on a tour, and you’ll find out!