Obverse. Photo © Central Bank of the UAE
  • 10 000 Dirhams 2009, United Arab Emirates, Khalifa, 2009 Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi
  • 10 000 Dirhams 2009, United Arab Emirates, Khalifa, 2009 Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi
Description

The 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, officially known as the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was the final race of the 2009 Formula One season. Held on November 1, 2009, at the 5.554-kilometer Yas Marina Circuit designed by Hermann Tilke, it marked the debut of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the first-ever day-night race, starting at 17:00 with sunset at 17:43.

Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull emerged victorious after polesitter Lewis Hamilton of McLaren retired due to a brake failure. This race was notable as the last Formula One event for drivers Kazuki Nakajima and Giancarlo Fisichella, as well as for the Brawn GP, BMW Sauber, and Toyota teams. It also marked the final race featuring in-race refueling, a practice banned from the 2010 season onward.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948–2022), the UAE's second president and ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 2004 to May 2022, was the eldest son of the UAE's first president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He took on a significant role in the late 1990s due to his father's health issues and officially became Abu Dhabi's leader in 2004. His tenure saw cultural and academic growth, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways. Under his leadership, the UAE became a major economic power. Known for his pro-Western stance, he strengthened ties with the US and Israel.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan facing right in front of a portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, wearing a traditional cloak and headpiece, portraits enclosed by the legend in Arabic and English text.

The traditional men's headwear in some Middle Eastern areas consists of three components: a knitted skull-cap known as the "keffiyeh," (also referred to as a ghutrah, shemagh, or ḥaṭṭah) a large cotton headscarf, typically plain white or with a red-and-white checkered pattern, called the "ghutra," and a black cord named the "agal," which secures the ghutra in place.

المغفور له بإذن الله تعالى الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان
صاحب السموِ الشيخ خليفة بن زايد آل نهيان

Reverse

Depicts the Yas Marina Circuit in front of three racing cars and the logo of Formula One (1994-2017) within a circle enclosed by the inscription of the event in Arabic and English text.

The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Designed by Hermann Tilke, it is located on Yas Island, near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Yas Marina was the second of four Formula One tracks in the Middle East, following Bahrain, with later additions in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The circuit was officially opened with a two-day GP2 Asia Series test held a week before the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It also hosted V8 Supercars from 2010 to 2012, serving as the opening round in 2010 and 2011. Beyond motorsport, the circuit was the venue for the final stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour cycle race in 2015. The Yas Marina Circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 license.

السباق الدولي لسيارات فورمولا 1 - أبوظبي - 2009
F1
Formula 1™
2009 FORMULA ONE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX

Edge

10 000 Dirhams

2009 Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.999
Weight 313 g
Diameter 65 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal