Central Bank of Oman –The First Polymer Commemorative OMR1 Banknote

11/01/2026

Central Bank of Oman, Giesecke+Devrient and CCL Secure

The Central Bank of Oman confirms that the new 1-Rial polymer banknote will circulate alongside existing notes and remain legal tender at face value. To mark this historic first GUARDIAN polymer commemorative banknote issue, the central bank is also launching 1,000 uncut sheets and 10,000 individually packaged notes in specially designed envelopes for sale, beginning 11 January 2026.

The 1-Rial commemorative note (145×76 mm) is a visual narrative of Oman’s natural heritage and economic aspirations. On the front, it depicts the Oman Botanic Garden, symbolising the Sultanate’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity. The reverse presents a tableau of national progress: the Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex beside the modern Duqm Port and Refinery, together representing Oman’s cultural identity and strategic economic development. Intricate Omani geometric patterns frame these scenes, linking tradition with modern design. The colour palette which includes rich greens, earthy browns and deep purples evokes Oman’s landscape, while providing high contrast for the note’s advanced security elements. In sum, the note is a storytelling medium – a bridge between the nation’s heritage the Botanic Garden and its vision for the future  – crafted to reflect Oman Vision 2040’s themes of sustainability and growth.

This issue is Oman’s first polymer banknote, printed on high-performance GUARDIAN™ polymer substrate. Polymer was chosen after evidence showed it greatly enhances durability and security. Indeed, global experience confirms polymer notes last 3–5 times longer and dramatically cut counterfeiting compared to paper. The move to polymer allowed Oman’s central bank to implement pioneering security innovations. The note integrates a large transparent window shaped like the Botanic Garden’s arched façade across much of its body. Embedded into the substrate, the window supports a colour-shifting foil depicting a frankincense tree on the front. As the note is tilted, the foil changes hue, creating a vivid, intuitive authentication cue. On the reverse, the CBO’s identity is printed in optically-variable colour-changing ink, called IRISWITCH, where the pattern appears in pearlescent sheen when the note is tilted. These elements  – are all built into the polymer substrate. This holistic integration is a first for Oman, combining tried-and-true security with cutting-edge polymer technology. Polymer banknotes worldwide have proven strength, flexibility and longevity. In short, this note’s innovation lies in marrying Oman’s first polymer banknote with elaborate security features, all supported by evidence-based research into currency durability and counterfeit-resistance.

The design weaves security and theme into one narrative. The transparent window is designed in the silhouette of the Botanic Garden’s signature arched windows, so that the feature itself embodies the landmark it commemorates. Inside this window, the frankincense tree foil visually ties Oman’s heritage into the security framework. Similarly, on the back the shifting CBO identity is placed near the Duqm Port scene – the shimmering effect echoing the Arabian Sea waters in the pattern. In both cases, design and technology reinforce each other: the motifs inform the placement and shape of the security elements. Even the tactile feel was considered: traditional raised intaglio printing is used for major text and emblems echoing Oman’s currency tradition, which contrasts with the smooth, clean surface of the polymer. This multi-sensory approach of sight, touch, tilt means that authenticating the note is almost intuitive for the public. Overall, each feature was “born” from the theme rather than appended as an afterthought – the architecture of the window, the motif of the foil, and the placement of the IRISWITCH feature all flow from the story of the design. As a result, the banknote is not only difficult to counterfeit, but also elegant and meaningful, seamlessly blending artistry with top-tier security.

 

The 1-Rial commemorative note launched on 11^th January 2026, is a visual narrative of Oman’s natural heritage and economic aspirations. On the front, it depicts the Oman Botanic Garden, symbolising the Sultanate’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity. The reverse presents a tableau of national progress: the Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex beside the modern Duqm Port and Refinery, together representing Oman’s cultural identity and strategic economic development.