New Dirham Symbol in the UAE: Essential Dos and Don'ts You Need to Know

Hi Dubai

12-06-2025

The UAE has officially introduced a new currency symbol for the Dirham, marking a significant milestone in the nation's financial identity. With a sleek design rooted in Arabic calligraphy and national symbolism, the Dirham Currency Symbol represents strength, unity, and modernity. Authorities have issued a comprehensive set of dos and don'ts to ensure the symbol is used correctly and consistently across all platforms.
Designed with Purpose
The Dirham Currency Symbol is more than a design—it's a cultural emblem. Inspired by classical Arabic scripts like Thuluth and Diwani, the symbol integrates the lines of the UAE flag into the shape of the letter 'D,' creating a visual tribute to the nation's heritage and aspirations. Every curve and stroke is calibrated on a precise grid system, ensuring balance, clarity, and geometric harmony.
Usage Dos: Getting It Right
To maintain the integrity of the Dirham symbol, the UAE government has outlined several key guidelines:
Use in Black or White : For clarity and legibility, the symbol should primarily appear in black or white.
: For clarity and legibility, the symbol should primarily appear in black or white. Ensure Proper Contrast : It must always stand out clearly against its background, especially in official documents and financial contexts.
: It must always stand out clearly against its background, especially in official documents and financial contexts. Maintain Proportions : The height of the symbol should match the height of the adjacent text.
: The height of the symbol should match the height of the adjacent text. Correct Direction : The symbol must follow the direction of the surrounding text, whether left-to-right or right-to-left.
: The symbol must follow the direction of the surrounding text, whether left-to-right or right-to-left. Use Either Symbol or 'AED': Never use the Dirham symbol and the abbreviation 'AED' together—choose one.
Usage Don'ts: What to Avoid
To preserve the symbol's integrity and visual identity, the following practices are strictly discouraged:
No Decorative Effects : Avoid gradients, shadows, or any form of artistic embellishment.
: Avoid gradients, shadows, or any form of artistic embellishment. No Alterations in Shape : The design must remain exactly as specified; distortions or adjustments are not allowed.
: The design must remain exactly as specified; distortions or adjustments are not allowed. No Misalignment : The symbol must not be disproportionately larger or smaller than the text around it.
: The symbol must not be disproportionately larger or smaller than the text around it. No Crowding : Always leave sufficient space between the symbol and the numeral it accompanies.
: Always leave sufficient space between the symbol and the numeral it accompanies. No Colour Variations in Official Use: Brand colours are allowed only in marketing, and even then, only with high visibility and no effects.
A Symbol of National Progress
Introduced in May 1973, the UAE Dirham has long been a symbol of economic independence and growth. With this new currency symbol, the UAE not only reaffirms its presence on the global economic stage but also strengthens the visual identity of its national currency. The symbol blends cultural heritage with modern design, offering a powerful representation of the country's journey and values.
As the new symbol becomes integrated into pricing, financial documents, and signage, businesses and designers are urged to adhere strictly to the official guidelines to maintain consistency, professionalism, and respect for the national standard.
News Source: Central Bank of the UAE