New UAE Dirham symbol: All dos and don'ts you must know for correct use and official compliance

Time of India

4 days ago

The new UAE dirham symbol blends national heritage with modern design, featuring a "D" with two lines for physical currency and a circular ring for its digital version / Image (X)
On March 27, 2025, the UAE unveiled a new symbol for its national currency, the dirham. A blend of national heritage and modern design, the symbol represents not just the UAE's financial stability but also its vision to strengthen its role in the global economy.
Unveiled by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the symbol features the English letter "D" flanked by two horizontal lines, inspired by the UAE flag, signifying the dirham's enduring strength. The design, rooted in classical Arabic calligraphy such as Thuluth and Diwani, reflects elegance and authority through its sweeping curves and pointed endings. The Digital Dirham symbol takes this a step further, incorporating a circular ring around the "D", symbolising security, continuity, and the UAE's forward-looking financial ecosystem.
The use of the UAE flag's colours in the digital design reinforces national pride, while the circular motif signifies a tokenised, blockchain-based currency, aiming to enhance global connectivity and transactional efficiency.
As part of this launch, local authorities have provided clear guidelines on how the symbol should be used across various platforms to maintain consistency and clarity.
Where the Dirham Symbol Should Be Used
The authorities emphasize consistent application of the symbol across both physical and digital platforms to maintain clarity and coherence in financial communications. Here's where the symbol is intended to appear:
Physical currency
: Printed on banknotes and coins.
Cheques, invoices, and receipts
: Displayed to represent amounts clearly.
Point of Sale (POS) systems and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
: For transaction displays.
Online and in-store price tags
: Ensuring price visibility and uniformity.
Financial apps and accounting systems
: Used within user interface (UI) fields for clarity.
Where the Symbol Should Not Be Used
The guidelines also specify clear restrictions to avoid misuse or dilution of the symbol's meaning:
It should not be used as a logo or branding element.
Avoid using it on splash screens or headers.
When writing amounts in words, always use 'Dirhams' instead of the symbol.
How to Use the Dirham Symbol Correctly
Keyboard Placement:
The symbol is assigned to the number 6 key on keyboards for easy access.
Placement Rules
In single-language contexts, the symbol should be centered relative to the number.
In dual-language contexts, place the symbol in the top-left corner.
Maintain a minimum clear space of 2mm around the symbol to preserve visibility.
On Cheques
In the 'amount in figures' field: place the symbol before the numeric value, keeping the symbol the same size and weight as the numbers.
In the 'amount in words' field: spell out 'Dirhams' rather than using the symbol.
On Receipts
Place the symbol before the numeric value.
Use the same font, size, and weight for consistency.
Text should be in English, right-aligned, with appropriate spacing.
On Price Tags
The symbol should appear directly before the numeric value.
Keep the font, size, and weight consistent.
Use either the symbol or 'AED' (the currency code), not both.
Maintain clarity and legibility, especially in busy retail settings.
Dos and Don'ts for Using the Dirham Symbol
Dos:
Maintain the shape and direction of the symbol relative to the text.
Ensure proportional spacing and size in relation to numerals.
Use sufficient contrast so the symbol is easily readable.
Use either the symbol or 'AED,' but not both together.
Always position the symbol to the left of the numerals.
Keep a clear space around the symbol to avoid crowding.
Respect the geometry and proportions of the symbol in all uses.
Don'ts:
Do not distort or alter the symbol in any way.
Avoid combining the symbol with 'AED.'
Do not reduce contrast or add any decorative elements that could obscure the symbol.
Avoid incorrect positioning or sizing, such as placing the symbol after numerals or making it disproportionately large or small in a way that diminishes the clarity of the symbol.
As the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) moves forward with the digital transformation of the dirham, the guidelines for the new symbol are a crucial step toward harmonizing physical and digital currency usage. The Digital Dirham, expected to launch for retail use in late 2025, will be issued through licensed financial institutions like banks, exchange houses, and fintech companies. This digital version will utilize blockchain technology to enhance security, reduce transaction costs, and streamline cross-border payments, offering instant, secure settlements with smart contract capabilities for multi-party transactions. Integrated into a secure wallet and smart contract–enabled platform, the Digital Dirham will support retail, wholesale, and cross-border payments, providing a seamless and convenient user experience across various transactions.
This move is part of the UAE's broader strategy to establish the dirham as a leading global currency, underpinned by the nation's recent adherence to the FX Global Code. As the first central bank in the Arab region to join this code, the CBUAE is bolstering the dirham's credibility by committing to best practices in currency trading, reinforcing transparency, market integrity, and ethical standards. These developments signal a new chapter for the dirham, not only strengthening its role in the UAE's financial ecosystem but also positioning the currency to play a more influential role in the global digital payments space.