The Central Bank of the UAE has unveiled a new symbol for the nation’s currency, the Dirham, in both its physical and digital forms. This significant announcement was made on March 27, 2025, and marks a crucial step in reinforcing the UAE's status as a leading global financial center.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the new Dirham symbol draws inspiration from the English letter "D" and features two horizontal lines that represent financial stability. The design also pays homage to the UAE flag, symbolizing national pride and resilience. This symbol will serve as a global representation of the Dirham, promoting the UAE’s currency across international markets.
The launch of the symbol coincides with the UAE’s adoption of the FX Global Code, positioning the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) as the first central bank in the Arab region to join this important framework. The FX Global Code is renowned for promoting best practices and ethical standards within the foreign exchange market, further enhancing the UAE’s commitment to integrity and transparency in financial dealings.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, governor of the CBUAE, expressed enthusiasm for these transformative steps, stating, "We are proud to unveil today the new symbol for the UAE’s national currency and the design of the digital Dirham wallet. The digital Dirham, built on blockchain technology, is expected to enhance financial stability, improve inclusion, increase resilience, and help combat financial crime."
The newly unveiled Dirham symbol is not just a simple design; it represents a culmination of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and its vision for a modern and innovative financial ecosystem. The physical symbol, which incorporates the letter "D" and two horizontal lines, embodies the stability of the UAE Dirham and is also inspired by traditional Arabic calligraphy, specifically scripts like Thuluth and Diwani.
Additionally, the CBUAE is advancing the issuance and circulation of the Digital Dirham, a core initiative of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Program launched in 2023. The Digital Dirham will feature a circular design that encompasses the physical symbol, using the colors of the UAE flag to reinforce national pride and modernity in the evolving financial landscape.
The Digital Dirham is set to be issued in the last quarter of 2025 for the retail sector. Individuals and businesses will be able to obtain the Digital Dirham through licensed financial institutions, including banks, exchange houses, finance companies, and fintech firms. This digital currency will utilize blockchain technology, ensuring high levels of security and efficiency while lowering payment costs.
Balama highlighted the anticipated benefits of the Digital Dirham, stating, "It is anticipated that the Digital Dirham as a blockchain-based platform with cutting-edge capabilities shall substantially enhance financial stability, inclusion, resilience, and combatting financial crime. It will further enable the development of innovative digital products, services, and new business models while reducing costs and increasing access to international markets."
The CBUAE has also developed an integrated and secure platform for the issuance, circulation, and use of the Digital Dirham, including a user-friendly Digital Dirham wallet. This wallet is designed for ease of use and management by both individuals and businesses, enabling a variety of financial transactions such as retail and wholesale payments, cross-border transfers, withdrawals, and top-ups.
As the UAE continues to lead in the digital economy, the Digital Dirham platform is designed to adapt to emerging financial needs, facilitating innovative solutions and reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in digital payments. The introduction of the new Dirham symbol is expected to have a significant impact on the UAE’s economy, promoting financial stability, inclusion, and resilience.
The new symbol will be integrated across banking systems, financial reports, exchange platforms, and daily transactions, further enhancing the Dirham’s recognition in international markets. With both Saudi Arabia and the UAE now having their own currency symbols, this move could inspire other Middle Eastern nations to follow suit.
As the UAE forges ahead with these advancements, the new Dirham symbol and the upcoming Digital Dirham represent a leap towards realizing the CBUAE’s vision for a modern and innovative financial ecosystem. This initiative not only reflects the UAE’s commitment to financial innovation but also its ambition to solidify its status as a competitive global financial hub.
In summary, the unveiling of the new Dirham symbol and the forthcoming Digital Dirham illustrates the UAE's proactive approach in adapting to the evolving financial landscape. As these developments unfold, the UAE is poised to enhance its influence on the global financial stage, paving the way for a future where the Dirham stands as a symbol of stability and innovation.
