.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
The new official symbol for the Dirham currency has been announced by the Central Bank of the UAE
27 March 2025
| Last updated on 28 March 2025
Much like the $ (Dollar), € (Euro), ¥ (Yen), and £ (Pound), the UAE now has its own national currency symbol.
On Thursday March 27th, 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE revealed the new physical and digital symbol for the emirates' national currency, the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) - also often abbreviated as 'DHS' or 'DHS' by banks, media, and the wider public.
The new currency symbol was chosen to represent the stability of the Emirati dirham while also paying tribute to the country's flag, according to a statement from the CBUAE.
"The letter was chosen, derived from the English name of the dirham, to serve as an international symbol representing the nation's currency, incorporating two horizontal lines that embody the stability of the UAE Dirham and inspired by the UAE flag, to enhance financial and monetary stability," the statement read.
It continued: "The digital dirham symbol features a circle surrounding the physical currency symbol, using the colours of the UAE flag to reflect pride and national identity."
With the new and official shortened version of the Emirati dirham, it is similar with the American dollar for $, the UK's use of the £ for pound, and € used for the euro.
Digital & Physical Versions
Physical version
The UAE's official currency symbol reimagines the lines of the flag, with the design incorporating the letter "D" for dirham.
Rooted in the emirates' national identity, the two lines' pointed curves are inspired by traditional Arabic calligraphy.
Digital version
The digital version of the Emirati dirham currency will use the bold colours of the UAE's national flag: green, white, and black, to ensure its instant recognition and presence across digital platforms.
Compared to the physical version, the currency symbol will have a carefully crafted ring around it, symbolising a digital token. This design variation aims to represent security, continuity, and the UAE's commitment to a future-focused financial ecosystem that flows with the world's evolving digital economy.
The digital currency symbol is expected to be issued in Q4 of 2025, and be tied to blockchain technology.
Left: Physical currency symbol for the UAE dirham
Right: Digital currency symbol for the UAE dirham
(Source: The Central Bank of the UAE / ExpatWoman)
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
