The New Dirham Symbol: Everything You Need to Know

The UAE has officially introduced a new Dirham symbol, marking a major milestone in the country’s financial identity and digital economy. The symbol is designed to represent the UAE Dirham across local and global platforms, making it easier to identify, standardize, and digitize the national currency. 

This article explains what the new Dirham symbol is, why it was introduced, how it will be used, and what it means for businesses, payroll, finance, and digital systems.

Key Takeaways

• The new Dirham symbol represents the UAE Dirham in a modern, standardized format
• It supports the UAE’s digital and financial transformation
• It does not change payroll, salaries, or compliance rules
• Businesses should prepare systems for gradual adoption

What Is the New Dirham Symbol?

The new Dirham symbol is the official currency symbol for the UAE Dirham (AED), introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE to represent the Dirham in a standardized and globally recognizable way.

It is designed to be used across:

• Financial systems
• Digital payments
• Payroll and accounting software
• Price displays
• Government and commercial documents
  
  

The new Dirham symbol is the official symbol for the UAE Dirham (AED), created to standardize how the currency is represented locally and internationally.

Why Did the UAE Introduce a New Dirham Symbol?

The new Dirham symbol was introduced to:

• Strengthen the UAE’s financial identity
• Support digital transformation and cashless payments
• Align with international currency symbol standards
• Improve clarity and consistency across platforms
  
  

As the UAE expands its role in global trade, fintech, and digital finance, a unified currency symbol helps position the Dirham alongside currencies like $, €, and £.

What Does the New Dirham Symbol Look Like?

The symbol is inspired by Arabic calligraphy and the letter “د” (Dal), representing “Dirham,” combined with two horizontal lines that reflect stability and the UAE’s financial strength.

The design balances:

• Cultural identity
• Modern digital usability
• Global readability
  
  

When Was the New Dirham Symbol Announced?

The Central Bank of the UAE officially announced the new Dirham symbol in 2025, as part of broader initiatives to modernize the country’s financial ecosystem and reinforce the UAE Dirham’s global presence.

Is the New Dirham Symbol Mandatory?

No, the new Dirham symbol is not immediately mandatory, but it is expected to be adopted gradually across:

• Government platforms
• Banks and financial institutions
• Payroll and HR systems
• Accounting and invoicing software
• E-commerce and POS systems
  
  

Over time, it will likely replace informal abbreviations such as AED, Dhs, and Dh in many contexts.

How Will the New Dirham Symbol Be Used?

The new Dirham symbol can be used in:

1. Payroll & HR Systems

• Salary slips
• Compensation letters
• Overtime and allowance calculations
• End-of-service benefits
  
  

2. Accounting & Finance

• Invoices
• Financial reports
• Budgets and forecasts
• Tax and compliance documents
  
  

3. Digital Payments & Fintech

• Mobile wallets
• Online banking apps
• E-commerce pricing
• Cross-border transactions
  
  

What Is the Difference Between AED and the New Dirham Symbol?

AED is the ISO currency code, while the new Dirham symbol is the visual representation of the currency.

AED is the ISO currency code, while the new Dirham symbol is the official visual symbol used to display the UAE currency.

Will the New Dirham Symbol Affect Payroll or Salary Calculations?

No, the symbol does not change payroll calculations or salary values.
It only affects how the currency is displayed, not how it is calculated.

However, payroll systems must:

• Support the new symbol visually
• Ensure compatibility across payslips and reports
• Maintain compliance with UAE labor and wage regulations

Is the New Dirham Symbol Supported in Payroll Software?

Modern payroll and HR systems are expected to support the new Dirham symbol as part of localization updates, especially platforms operating in the UAE and MENA region.

Businesses should check that their systems can:

• Display the symbol correctly
• Use it consistently across reports
• Maintain backward compatibility with AED where required

What Does the New Dirham Symbol Mean for Businesses in the UAE?

For businesses, the new Dirham symbol means:

• Clearer financial communication
• More professional and standardized documents
• Better user experience in digital platforms
• Alignment with national financial initiatives
  
  

It is especially relevant for:

• HR teams
• Finance and payroll managers
• Software providers
• E-commerce and fintech companies
  
  

FAQs: The New Dirham Symbol

What is the official symbol for the UAE Dirham?

The official symbol for the UAE Dirham is the newly introduced Dirham symbol announced by the Central Bank of the UAE.

Is AED being replaced by the new Dirham symbol?

No. AED remains the official ISO currency code. The new symbol is a visual representation used for display purposes.

When should companies start using the new Dirham symbol?

Companies can start using it immediately, but adoption will be gradual and system-dependent.

Does the new Dirham symbol affect WPS or payroll compliance?

No. It does not affect WPS, salary calculations, or compliance requirements.

Can the new Dirham symbol be used on invoices and payslips?

Yes. It is designed for use on invoices, payslips, financial reports, and digital platforms.

Is the new Dirham symbol mandatory for all businesses?

Not currently. However, it is expected to become more widely adopted over time.