The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has unveiled a new symbol for the Dirham, the national currency of the United Arab Emirates, as part of its strategy to strengthen the country’s global financial presence.
The newly designed symbol, influenced by the English letter “D,” incorporates two horizontal lines symbolizing financial stability and is inspired by elements of the UAE flag. This initiative aims to enhance the Dirham’s recognition in international markets and reinforce its global appeal.
Alongside this announcement, the CBUAE shared updates on the Digital Dirham, the digital counterpart of the currency, which embodies national pride with a circular design featuring the UAE flag’s colors. Scheduled for retail release by late 2025, the Digital Dirham is a key component of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme introduced in 2023.
Leveraging blockchain technology, the Digital Dirham promises enhanced financial efficiency, security, and inclusivity. It will function as a universal payment method and will be accessible through licensed financial institutions, offering features such as money transfers, withdrawals, and cross-border transactions.
The platform for the Digital Dirham includes a secure wallet system designed to facilitate transactions for retail and wholesale users. These advancements highlight the UAE’s commitment to modern financial innovation and sustainability. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, described this initiative as a significant milestone toward a more secure and efficient financial ecosystem.