UAE, 28 March, 2025 : The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has unveiled a new symbol for the UAE Dirham, reinforcing the country’s status as a global financial hub. The announcement, made under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aligns with the UAE’s efforts to enhance financial stability and innovation.
The new Dirham symbol, derived from the English name of the currency, features two horizontal lines representing stability, inspired by the UAE flag. The Digital Dirham symbol incorporates a circular design in national colors, reflecting pride and a forward-looking financial ecosystem.
CBUAE also announced progress in the issuance of the Digital Dirham, a key initiative under the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme. Expected to launch in Q4 2025 for the retail sector, the Digital Dirham will operate on blockchain technology, ensuring secure and efficient transactions while reducing payment costs. It will be accessible through licensed financial institutions, supporting financial inclusion and innovation.
The UAE’s Digital Dirham will enable tokenisation, smart contracts, and programmable transactions, enhancing liquidity and efficiency. An integrated platform and Digital Dirham wallet will facilitate seamless transactions, including payments, transfers, and withdrawals.
Additionally, CBUAE has joined the FX Global Code, becoming the first central bank in the Arab region to do so. This move aims to enhance best practices in currency exchange and establish the UAE Dirham as an international currency.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of CBUAE, stated, “The new Dirham symbol and Digital Dirham wallet mark a significant leap in our financial transformation journey. Blockchain-based Digital Dirham will boost stability, inclusion, and resilience while enabling innovative financial solutions and expanding access to global markets.”
Source : www.wam.ae
