The rollout includes one for the digital format as well.

The UAE has always been at the forefront of breaking news. With tons happening across the region — in all the sectors — it’s always a step ahead. Now, it’s taken a significant step and introduced an official symbol for its currency, the dirham.

For years, the Emirati Dirham was represented as AED, Dhs or د.إ, in Arabic. But now, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) unveiled the new Dirham symbol in both its physical and digital forms. 

The design of the new Dirham symbol pays tribute to Arabic calligraphy. The pointed curves are inspired by traditional scripts like Thuluth and Diwani, making it as authentic and close to home as possible. Designed to represent financial stability and modernity, the symbol is derived from the English letter “D” and incorporates two horizontal lines.

Dirham symbol

But that’s not all. The Central Bank of the UAE has also launched the symbol for the Digital Dirham. Encircled around the regular Dirham symbol, the design reflects a digital token — similar to what you might have seen on other forms of cryptocurrencies. Featuring colours of the UAE flag, the digital symbol blends national identity with modern technology.

This news comes only weeks after Saudi Arabia introduced a symbol for its currency, the Saudi Riyal, making it the first country in the Middle East to do so. And now, with the rollout of the new symbol, the UAE aims to enhance the Dirham’s recognition in international markets as well. Expect to see the symbol integrated across banking systems, financial reports, exchange platforms and daily transactions soon.

Details on when the Dirham symbol will officially appear on keyboards remain under wraps. But with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE now having their own currency symbols, could this inspire other Middle Eastern nations to follow suit? We’ll have to wait to find out.

GO: Visit www.centralbank.ae for more information.