A shortage of change in shops is set to end with the release of a "huge" consignment of Canadian-minted coins to banks this month.
Officials at the UAE's Central Bank said all coin shortages should be over by the end of this month.
Among the supermarkets that have suffered a shortage of coins is Spinneys, which has put up notices in its stores asking customers to provide coins when paying. "We have struggled to obtain small denomination coins and are constantly in touch with the banks in this regard," said Warwick Smith, the chain's marketing manager.
Rashid Al Fandi, the Central Bank's executive director for banking operations, said problems had arisen because the use of coins had recently increased "dramatically".
"There is a lot of paid parking now in Dubai and Sharjah and a lot of vending machines that all use coins. We've been providing the banks with whatever coins they need.
"Soon the shortages, if there are any, will disappear. The amount minted will be more than enough," he said.
New copies of all six coins that are legal tender in the UAE 1fil, 5fils, 10fils, 25fils, 50fils and Dh1 have been made by the Canadian Royal Mint. No Dh5 coins produced in the past for commemorative purposes are being minted.
The first shipment of coins has already arrived and another one is due to arrive in the country next week. They will look the same as the coins in circulation.
It represents the first major new minting of UAE currency in four years, although the bank has declined to specify how many coins are being minted.
"It is a huge quantity that will cover the needs for the next five years," said Fahad Al Hosani, the Central Bank's assistant executive director.
The new coins produced in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada will be released to banks for the first time next week in modest quantities and Central Bank officials said all coin denominations should be fully available by May 21.
In the past, the Central Bank has had coins made by the Royal Mint in England and banknotes printed by De La Rue, also in England. The Canadian Royal Mint won a tender this time to make the new coins.
Al Hosani said it was important for shoppers that the 1fil, 5fils and 10fils coins were made so they could be offered in shops.
"Our currency is the dirham and the unit is the fil so they should be available. If you go to a supermarket, you will see prices of 60fils or 70fils and if the customer wants his remaining 5fils or 10fils change he has the right to take it.
"In Europe, people always ask for their exact change, but here they are sometimes careless and don't. If somebody wants it, it's up to them," he said.
Gulf News reported last month the Central Bank of the UAE had no plans to take the 1fils, 5fils and 10fils coins out of circulation, even though they are rarely used by shops.
Man told to pay for a Dh1 can of soft drink with credit card
- Shoppers have complained that they have been asked to forgo their change on purchases because stores do not have the coins required. Customers have also complained that they have been offered products such as sweets instead of change.
- Tony Grunder, a 49-year-old South African, said he was asked to pay for a Dh1 can of drink with a credit card because a petrol service station could not change his Dh10 note. "It is ridiculous when you get asked to pay for a can of Coca Cola with a credit card. They told me there were no coins and the banks weren't giving any out. They said there was a major shortage of coins in Dubai," he said.
- New copies of all six coins that are legal tender in the UAE 1fil, 5fils, 10fils, 25fils, 50fils and Dh1 have been manufactured by the Canadian Royal Mint. The first shipment of coins have arrived and another one is due next week. Central Bank officials say this will take care of coin shortages for the next five years.
