In a historic move to redefine its national currency’s image, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has officially introduced a new symbol for the dirham. The updated icon represents a strategic push toward financial modernization and coincides with the country’s broader plan to launch the Digital Dirham by the end of 2025.
A Modern Symbol Reflecting Heritage and Innovation
The redesigned dirham symbol takes inspiration from the English letter “D”, creatively reimagined with two horizontal lines. This new design encapsulates themes of monetary stability, modernity, and national pride. By fusing elements from classical Arabic calligraphy and the UAE flag, the symbol not only preserves cultural identity but also signals a bold step into the future of digital finance.
Notably, the digital version of the symbol is enclosed within a circular motif, representing the form of a digital token. This ring symbolizes security, continuity, and the UAE’s long-term commitment to an inclusive and resilient financial infrastructure.
This development is a central part of the CBUAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, originally launched in 2023. The initiative supports the UAE’s ongoing shift to a digital economy, with the retail rollout of the Digital Dirham scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
In the words of Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama,
“We are proud to introduce the new Dirham symbol and the Digital Dirham wallet, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s financial sector. This step brings us closer to realizing our vision for a secure, efficient, and innovative financial ecosystem.”
The Digital Dirham is designed to offer unparalleled security and privacy, leveraging blockchain technology to enable real-time settlements, lower transaction costs, and greater financial transparency. It will be circulated through licensed entities such as banks, exchange houses, and fintech firms, empowering both domestic and cross-border financial transactions.
Key Features of the Digital Dirham:
- Tokenisation: Facilitates fractional ownership, enhancing liquidity and broadening financial access.
- Smart Contracts: Automates complex transactions through programmable conditions.
- Integrated Wallet & Platform: Supports a wide range of functionalities—retail purchases, wholesale settlements, cross-border payments, and more—all within a secure, user-friendly interface.
The ecosystem is built to adapt to emerging technologies, offering modularity for future upgrades aligned with global digital finance trends.
In another landmark achievement, the UAE became the first Arab central bank to join the FX Global Code, showcasing its commitment to transparency and ethical standards in currency markets. This positions the UAE as a key regional player aligning with international best practices.
Toward a Digitally Empowered Economy
Since the introduction of the dirham in 1973, the UAE has consistently aimed to expand its global economic footprint. This new symbol and digital infrastructure reflect not just a visual rebranding, but a visionary stride into the future of financial technology. It represents the UAE’s ambition to become a world-leading fintech and economic hub—driven by innovation, inclusion, and a strong sense of national identity.
To view the official press release and symbol visuals, visit the Central Bank of the UAE’s announcement.
