The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has officially introduced a new symbol for the national currency, the Dirham, in both physical and digital formats. The initiative is aligned with the UAE’s broader digital economy vision and coincides with the country’s recent adoption of the FX Global Code, making it the first central bank in the Arab world to join the international standard for best practices in foreign exchange markets.
The newly unveiled Dirham symbol represents a pivotal step in strengthening the UAE currency’s international stature. The design—derived from the English initial of “Dirham”—features two horizontal lines symbolizing stability and is inspired by the colors of the UAE flag. A distinct variation of the symbol will be used for the Digital Dirham, enclosed within a circle and highlighted by national colors to evoke pride and identity.
In a statement, H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, remarked:
“We are proud to unveil today the new symbol for the UAE’s national currency the ‘Dirham’ in both its physical and digital forms, and the design of the Digital Dirham wallet. This reflects the significant advancements in the implementation of the Digital Dirham programme and a leap towards realising the CBUAE’s vision.”
This development is part of the CBUAE’s broader Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, launched in 2023. Central to this initiative is the Digital Dirham—a blockchain-based digital currency designed to boost financial efficiency, reduce costs, and enable instant, secure transactions. Expected to be launched for retail use in Q4 2025, the Digital Dirham will be made accessible through licensed financial institutions including banks, exchange houses, and fintech companies.
Key features include:
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Smart contracts for automating complex, multi-party transactions
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Tokenisation for enabling fractional digital asset trading
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Blockchain-backed infrastructure ensuring data security and privacy
Digital Wallet and Integrated Ecosystem
Accompanying the launch is the creation of a Digital Dirham Wallet, enabling individuals and businesses to carry out retail, wholesale, and cross-border payments. The wallet will support top-ups, redemptions, transfers, and other payment services, fostering a seamless digital transaction experience.
The CBUAE envisions this as part of a secure, flexible, and scalable platform capable of integrating future financial innovations. This step is expected to enhance the UAE’s appeal as a global hub for fintech and digital finance.
The implementation of the Digital Dirham is backed by Federal Decree-Law No. (54) of 2023, which amends previous financial regulations to recognize the Digital Dirham as legal tender across all payment platforms and outlets. This strengthens the credibility and legitimacy of the currency in both domestic and international markets.
Moreover, the UAE’s participation in the FX Global Code reflects its dedication to fostering ethical and transparent practices in the foreign exchange landscape, reinforcing trust among global stakeholders.
Vision for the Future
H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama further stated:
“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 cost and increasing access to international markets.”
The unveiling of the new Dirham symbol and the advancement of the Digital Dirham programme mark a significant leap in the UAE’s digital transformation agenda. These initiatives not only bolster the country’s financial infrastructure but also position it as a trailblazer in currency innovation and a frontrunner in global financial markets.
For an in-depth look at the official announcement and design elements of the new Dirham symbol, you can read the full CBUAE press release here.
