In March 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) introduced a new symbol for the dirham, marking a significant step in the nation’s financial evolution. More than just a currency symbol, it represents the UAE’s heritage, economic strength, and forward-looking ambitions. The design, inspired by the English name “dirham,” features two horizontal lines that symbolize the currency’s stability. These lines also echo elements of the UAE flag, linking the symbol to the nation’s unity and sovereignty. This new symbol highlights the UAE’s desire to boost the dirham’s global presence and signals the country’s commitment to building a modern, competitive financial ecosystem.
The Symbol’s Growing Presence in Retail and Digital Platforms
Since its launch, the new dirham symbol has begun to make appearances across various digital platforms and retail environments. Shoppers in the UAE may have noticed the symbol on online shopping apps and department store signage, including on platforms like Noon.com and in popular retail chains such as Carrefour. These sightings reported by local media outlet Khaleej Times, marks an early, but significant, step in integrating the new symbol into everyday transactions, both in physical and digital spaces.
Guidelines for the Correct Use of the Dirham Symbol
To ensure that the new dirham symbol is used consistently and accurately, the authorities have set out a detailed guide on where and how it should appear, both online and offline. These guidelines aim to protect the integrity and distinctiveness of the symbol while maintaining its recognition across diverse mediums.Where the Dirham Symbol Should Be Used:
- Physical Currency: The symbol will appear on the
new banknotes . - Cheques, Invoices, and Receipts: It is recommended for use in official financial documents.
- Point of Sale (POS) Systems and ATMs: Retailers and banks should adopt the new symbol for all transactions.
-
Price Displays (In-store and Online): The symbol should be visible on price tags and e-commerce platforms. - Financial Apps and Accounting Systems: The symbol should be used on digital platforms, especially in user interfaces and financial fields.
Where the Symbol Should Not Be Used:
- As a Logo or Branding Element: It should not be used as part of a company logo or branding campaign.
- On Splash Screens or Headers: The symbol should not be part of app splash screens or website headers.
- In Place of “Dirhams” in Text: While the symbol is important for financial contexts, it should not replace the full word “dirhams” when it is written out.
How the Symbol Should Appear
The CBUAE has also provided clear instructions on how the symbol should be positioned and formatted in different contexts to ensure uniformity and ease of recognition:
- Keyboard Usage: The new dirham symbol appears on the number 6 key on standard UAE keyboards.
- Placement:
- Single-Language: The symbol should be centered.
- Dual-Language: It should be placed in the top-left corner.
- Spacing: A minimum of 2mm clear space should surround the symbol to ensure clarity and legibility.
- On Cheques: The symbol should appear before the numeric value in the “amount in figures” field. In the “amount in words” field, the full word “Dirhams” should be written out instead of the symbol.
- Receipts and Price Tags: The symbol should appear directly before the numeric value on receipts and price tags, ensuring the font, size, and weight remain consistent for uniformity.
Dos and Don’ts for Correct Usage
To maintain the integrity of the new dirham symbol, the CBUAE has outlined key dos and don’ts:Dos:
- Maintain Shape and Direction: Ensure the symbol retains its original shape and direction when used with text.
- Proportional Spacing: The spacing between the symbol and numerals should be proportional.
- Contrast: Ensure that there is enough contrast between the symbol and the background to make it legible.
- Positioning: The symbol should always be placed to the left of numerals, maintaining clarity and alignment.
- Clear Space: Always maintain adequate clear space around the symbol to avoid visual clutter.
Don’ts:
- Distortion: The symbol should never be distorted or altered in shape.
- Combining with AED: The symbol should not be combined with “AED” (Arab Emirates Dirham) in any visual context.
- Decorative Elements: The symbol should not be adorned with any decorative effects or unnecessary styling that could reduce its impact.
- Incorrect Positioning or Sizing: Avoid using the symbol in improper sizes or at incorrect positions.
