The central bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) said that his digital dirham would launch for retail use in the last quarter of 2025.
According to a March 27 rackThe currency is said to be available through regulated banks, fintech companies, exchange rate houses and licensed financial companies.
Once live, the Digital Dirham will support smart contracts and tokenization – areas that enable automated, secure and complex transactions and at the same time expand access to digital financial tools.
Cbuae -Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said:
“It is expected that the digital dirham as a blockchain -based platform with advanced possibilities will significantly improve financial stability, inclusion, resilience and combating financial crime. It will also make it possible to make the development of innovative digital products, services and new business models possible, while the costs will be reduced and access to international markets.”
This movement represents an important step forward in the wider digital transformation strategy of the VAE.
Digital Dirham Design
The VAE has also introduced updated symbols for its national currency to adapt to its growing focus on digital financing.
The new symbol for the physical dirham has a bold capital “D” crossed by two horizontal lines. These lines represent the vision of the country on economic stability and growth. The design takes instructions from the national flag and strengthens the trust of the VAE in its financial future. For the digital version, a circular frame surrounds the colors of the VAE flag the “D” symbol.
The design is intended to display the ambition of the country in blockchain innovation and digital financial services.
Balama described the updated branding as a signal of progress and an important part of the country’s digital agenda. He emphasized that the digital dirham will improve financial resilience, inclusion and legal supervision and at the same time make the development of new products and services possible.
In the meantime, this announcement follows the recent membership of the CBUAE in the Global Foreign Exchange Committee. It is the first central bank in the Arab world that becomes a member of the group, which promotes transparency and integrity in global FX markets.
