Abu Dhabi – The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has officially introduced a new symbol for the UAE Dirham, reinforcing the nation’s ambition to cement its standing as a prominent player in the international financial landscape.
A Modern Identity for the Dirham
The newly unveiled Dirham symbol draws inspiration from the English letter “D” and features two parallel horizontal lines, symbolizing financial stability. Its design also reflects elements of the UAE national flag, underscoring both economic strength and cultural identity. This symbol is set to be adopted across global financial platforms, promoting wider recognition of the UAE Dirham in international markets.
In tandem, the digital representation of the Dirham—part of the ongoing Digital Dirham initiative—will incorporate a circular motif colored with the national flag’s hues. This represents both technological advancement and national pride, aligning the currency’s future with the UAE’s digital aspirations.
Advancements in the Digital Dirham Initiative
As part of the broader Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme launched in 2023, the CBUAE shared the latest developments on the Digital Dirham. The digital currency, expected to be introduced to the retail sector by late 2025, is designed to elevate financial efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance data security. Powered by blockchain technology, it offers improved risk mitigation and robust privacy controls.
Financial entities licensed by the CBUAE—including banks, fintech companies, and exchange houses—will facilitate public access to the Digital Dirham. Once launched, it will function as a legal tender alongside its physical counterpart, offering seamless integration into the existing financial ecosystem.
Core Innovations in the Digital Dirham
The Digital Dirham is poised to transform the financial landscape through the integration of advanced technologies such as:
- Tokenisation: Facilitates fractional ownership of digital assets, increasing market liquidity and access.
- Smart Contracts: Enables automated, self-executing transactions with built-in compliance and settlement mechanisms.
Building the Digital Payment Infrastructure
To support this transformation, the CBUAE has developed a secure digital platform that includes a dedicated Digital Dirham wallet. This system will allow users to conduct a wide array of transactions—from retail purchases and cross-border transfers to top-ups and withdrawals. The platform has been designed to evolve with emerging technologies, ensuring compatibility with future digital finance solutions.
Strategic Vision for Financial Innovation
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, emphasized the significance of these developments:
“The launch of the new Dirham symbol and the Digital Dirham wallet marks a pivotal step forward in our journey towards building a secure, innovative, and efficient financial system in the UAE.”
He also noted that the blockchain-based infrastructure of the Digital Dirham will enhance the country’s resilience to financial threats, support inclusion, and stimulate innovation. These advancements are expected to open up broader access to international markets and reduce financial transaction costs.
With these forward-thinking initiatives, the UAE solidifies its role as a trailblazer in global digital finance, driving economic modernization while preserving national identity.
Source: https://gulfnews.com/business/banking/new-symbol-revealed-for-uaes-dirham-in-physical-digital-forms-1.500074540