The Emirati Dirham
The Emirati Dirham is the official currency of the UAE, abbreviated officially as AED and symbolised with two horizontal lines across the alphabet D. Unofficial abbreviations include Dh and Dhs. The dirham is subdivided into 100 fils.
The new dirham symbol
On 27 March 2025, The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) unveiled a new symbol for the dirham, for both its physical and digital forms. The announcement also marked a milestone, as the UAE became the first central bank in the Arab region to join the FX Global Code, strengthening the dirham’s position as a global currency.
The concept
The new symbol takes inspiration from the UAE’s flag. It contains two horizontal lines across the alphabet D, representing the dirham, to create a symbol that embodies strength, unity and progress. For the digital dirham, the design involves the alphabet D encircled with the colours of the UAE’s flag, symbolising pride in the nation’s identity.
Find guidelines for using the new Dirham symbol (PDF, 1 MB).
History of the UAE Dirham
The ‘Currency Board’ was established as per Union Law No. 2 of 1973, which was replaced by Law No. 10 of 1980 concerning the Central Bank, Monetary System and Organization of Banking (PDF, 550 KB).
The Currency Board issued the national currency that replaced the Bahraini Dinar and the Qatari and Dubai Riyal currencies that were in use at the time as per the website of the UAE Central Bank. The UAE dirham was introduced in circulation for the first time on 19 May 1973. The Qatar and Dubai riyal were in circulation since 1966 in all of the emirates except Abu Dhabi, where the dirham replaced the Bahraini dinar.
Coins
Coins are in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 fils and 1 AED. Since 1976, the Currency Board and then Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates have minted several commemorative coins celebrating different events of the United Arab Emirates as below:
Bank notes
The first dirham notes, introduced in 1973, were in denominations of AED 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Three years later the AED 1,000 note was released. The first notes issued had both Arabic and English lettering, with various landmarks of the UAE printed on them. They were similar to those that are in circulation today. Explore more about the UAE’s currency in the Central Bank Museum of Coins and Notes.
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issues the country's banknotes. To combat counterfeiting, a watermark of the national emblem appears on the obverse of each note.
Commemorative coins
Alongside currency used for everyday transactions, the CBUAE also mints commemorative coins to celebrate the many highlights and achievements of the United Arab Emirates.
Government entities, banks and the CBUAE are all entitled to request CBUAE to issue a commemorative gold, silver or circulation coin to mark an important occasion.
Read more about currency and coins.Currency misuse – violations and penalties
Article 173 of Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 Regarding the Central Bank, Regulation of Financial Institutions and Activities, and Insurance Business stipulates that whoever, publicly and intentionally mutilates, destroys or tears up Currency, shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine of not less than ten thousand (10,000) Dirhams, or by either of these two punishments.
Articles 239 to 245 of the UAE’s Penal Code, as amended deal with forging national and or foreign currencies. Article 184 of the same Penal code mentions this part anyone who insults, mocks, harms the reputation, prestige or statute of the state, its flag, its emblem, its symbols or any of its institutions, shall be punished for a maximum period of 5 years and face a maximum fine of AED 500,000.
Updated on:
04 Mar 2026
