New UAE dirham symbol: Dos and don'ts, latest guidelines on how to use
The new dirham symbol, announced in March, signifies more than just financial value — it embodies heritage, ambition, and the nation's forward-looking vision.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, drawing inspiration from national motifs and guided by precise structural principles, the symbol combines the nation's cultural roots with its progressive outlook.
Local authorities released new guidelines to ensure consistent application of the symbol across both physical and digital platforms, reinforcing its role within the country's financial narrative.
Where will it be used?
Should be used:
On physical currency
On cheques, invoices, receipts
In POS systems, ATMs
Online and in-store price displays
In financial apps, accounting systems, UI fields
Should not be used:
As a logo or branding element
On splash screens or headers
In place of 'Dirhams' when writing out words
How it should be used
Keyboard
Appears on number 6 key
Placement:
Single-language: Centred
Dual-language: Top-left corner
Minimum 2mm clear space around symbol
Cheque book
In 'amount in figures' field: Symbol before numeric value, same size/weight
In 'amount in words' field: Use 'Dirhams', not the symbol
Receipts
Symbol before numeric value
Same font, size, and weight
Text should be in English and right-aligned with spacing
Price tags
Symbol directly before numeric value
Same font, size, and weight
Use either the symbol or "AED", not both
Maintain clarity, especially in retail environments
Dos and Don'ts
Dos:
Maintain symbol shape and direction with text
Ensure proportional spacing and size relative to numerals
Use sufficient contrast
Use either the symbol or 'AED', not both
Position symbol to the left of numerals
Maintain clearspace and geometry
Don'ts:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
22 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
How UAE expats can transfer money abroad without a bank account, with low fees
Remittances from expats in the UAE and around the world are more than just money transfers to families back home; they are a vital cog of foreign currency inflows. These money flows help support financial stability, boost household incomes, and even contribute to national GDPs. With digital transfers just a tap away, sending money abroad has become faster, easier, and more affordable. Thanks to the rise of digital apps and mobile fintech platforms, expats can now avoid the high fees and lengthy processes of traditional banks. Some apps offer free to minimal fees when sending money from the UAE to other countries. Some require no registration fees, no minimum balance, and no bank account. Customers only need an active UAE mobile number, a debit or credit card with online banking access. Here is the list of apps you can send your money through and how it works: Botim Originally popular among expats as a VoIP calling platform, expat can transfer money transfer across 170+ countries with Botim. In 2023, Botim launched its first fintech service and the world's first in-chat international money transfers in the UAE, India, and the Philippines. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Through its partnership with Mastercard and regional fintech players, Botim now allows users to send money directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets in multiple countries. Botim integrates with its own wallet feature, allowing users to manage and track their transactions. Key features: Competitive exchange rates Minimal to zero fees for select corridors Transfers to countries like India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Egypt Available 24/7 with real-time tracking Careem Pay Expats can send money to more than 30 countries through Careem pay. From bill payments, to domestic and international transfers, customers can manage most of their financial needs directly through Careem Pay. Careem Pay launched its peer-to-peer money transfer service in 2022, allowing customers to send, request, and receive money using a phone number, personal QR code, or personal payment link without needing an IBAN or account number. And with competitive foreign exchange rates that are 50 per cent cheaper than banks, customers can transfer up to Dh45,000 in a single transaction and up to Dh135,000 monthly. Key features: Low-cost international transfers Instant or same-day delivery in select corridors Integration with UAE-issued debit cards User-friendly interface with multilingual support e& money Formerly known as Etisalat Wallet, e& money is part of the Emirates Telecom Group's foray into fintech. With its digital wallet, users can send money abroad directly from their smartphones with minimal fees and competitive exchange rates. e& money has expanded its financial services by offering international and local transfers, bill payment, top up, gifting, card payments, lending and many more financial services. Key Features: Licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank Direct transfers to bank accounts and mobile wallets International remittances to over 200 countries Supports utility payments, in-app purchases, and local transfers too Taptap Send This platform provides fast, low-fee money transfers, particularly for communities sending money to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. While newer to the UAE market, it is popular for its zero transfer fees, competitive exchange rates, and quick transfer times. Key features: No transfer fees in many corridors (e.g., to India, Pakistan, Ghana, Bangladesh) Competitive exchange rates Fast delivery, often within minutes Simple interface and quick registration Lulu Money LuLu Money is the digital remittance and payment platform offered by LuLu Exchange. Through the app customers can transfer money to over 170 countries easily and securely. It maintains a safe record of all transactions which you can access with ease. This app allows users to send money using cash, a prepaid card, or a linked digital wallet. Its standout advantages include real-time rate monitoring, flexible payout methods, competitive fees, strong regulatory backing, and added perks like loyalty points and developer-ready remittance solutions. Al Ansari Exchange app Al Ansari Exchange app is a fully digital 'super-app' for remittances, prepaid card management, bill payments, airline tickets, mobile top-ups, and government services. It has multiple payment options such as online bank transfers, credit cards, Visa/ Mastercard debit cards, direct debit, PayPlus card or even cash at the branch to make your experience with us as convenient as possible. Regulated by Central Bank of the UAE, Al Ansari Exchange app sends money 24 hours with real‑time exchange rates and rate-alert notification. The app offers bank-grade encryption, fraud prevention layers, and in‑app secure navigation. Unimoni app Unimoni (formerly UAE Exchange) is a global financial services brand under the Wizz Financial/Finablr umbrella, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It operates in over 30 countries with a strong presence across the GCC, South Asia, Africa, Australia, Canada and more. It is a global provider of money transfer, foreign exchange, payments, travel services, and credit solutions. It claims to be transparent, with low fees displayed upfront in dirham and no hidden charges or surprises. The app uses live mid-market rates for foreign exchange, with small markups built into rates instead of flat fees. For India transfers, fees include 18 per cent GST on the fee or forex margin, 5 per cent TCS (tax collected at source) for over Dh30,500 remittances yearly under India's regulations.
Gulf Business
28 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai's new road upgrade: Smoother flow between Sheikh Zayed, Al Wasl
Image credit: WAM/Website Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of the Al Safa Street Improvement Project, a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving traffic flow, supporting urban growth, and enhancing overall quality of life in one of Dubai's most vibrant districts. Read- The project extends over a 1,500-metre stretch of Al Safa Street, from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its junction with Al Wasl Street. It forms a core part of RTA's broader master plan to modernise the city's transport infrastructure in line with Dubai's rapid population growth and urban expansion. Bridges, tunnels, and a traffic revolution The ambitious development includes the construction of two new bridges and two tunnels, totalling 3,120 metres in combined length. It will also see the widening of surface roads, upgraded intersections, and the installation of advanced traffic signal systems. Once completed, the improvements will significantly cut travel times on Al Safa Street—from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes—and will double traffic capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of 'Al Safa Street Improvement Project is part of RTA's master plan to enhance the road network in the area, including the development of Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets,' he said. Supporting a thriving urban hub The upgraded route passes through one of Dubai's busiest districts, home to major destinations such as City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, top-tier schools, residential communities, and luxury hotels. Al Tayer noted that the project enhances access to Downtown Dubai and connects with Financial Centre Street, an area inhabited by over one million residents. 'This district hosts a variety of tourism, cultural, and sporting events,' he added. 'It's essential that we support it with infrastructure that enables fluid movement and sustainable growth.' Design that blends efficiency with aesthetics Beyond functional upgrades, the project places strong emphasis on aesthetic and community-centric features. Plans include dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and vibrant urban spaces designed to promote interaction and enrich the public realm. Landscaping will also be integrated to soften the urban environment and improve livability. Key infrastructure features According to Al Tayer, the development encompasses the following major construction elements: Bridge 1: A four-lane bridge measuring 1,005 metres will serve traffic coming from Al Wasl Street toward Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. It will have an estimated capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour. Bridge 2: This two-lane, 360-metre bridge will facilitate traffic from Al Satwa Road to Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. Capacity is estimated at 2,800 vehicles per hour. Tunnel 1: Spanning 1,005 metres with two lanes, this tunnel will support traffic moving from Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street toward Al Wasl Street. It will handle 3,200 vehicles per hour. Tunnel 2: Located at the intersection of Al Wasl and Al Safa Streets, the 750-metre tunnel will feature two lanes in each direction and accommodate a total of 6,400 vehicles per hour. In addition, Al Safa Street will be widened from three signalized lanes in each direction to four lanes, two of which will allow free-flow traffic and two controlled by signals. Beyond the asphalt: Lighting, drainage, and utilities The project also includes: Upgraded lighting systems Directional signage Rainwater drainage infrastructure Relocation and protection of utilities These enhancements will contribute to a safer, more efficient roadway while maintaining service continuity for surrounding developments. Part of a larger network upgrade The Al Safa Street project is one piece of a multi-phase plan by RTA to transform Dubai's arterial corridors. Al Wasl Street overhaul Spanning 15 km from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street, the Al Wasl Street Development Project will include: Six upgraded intersections Five new tunnels totaling 3,850 metres Widening the road from two to three lanes per direction Travel time reduction of 50 per cent Capacity increase from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour Umm Suqeim Street expansion Stretching 6 km from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, this project will: Upgrade six major intersections Add four bridges and three tunnels with a total length of 4,100 metres Increase road capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour Reduce travel time between Jumeirah and Al Khail Roads from 20 minutes to 6 minutes Al Tayer emphasised that these interconnected projects will significantly improve connectivity between Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road. 'This network will meet current and future demands while promoting safety, efficiency, and sustainability across Dubai's road system,' he said.
Gulf Business
28 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
UAE: These are the fuel prices for July 2025
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes The country's Fuel Price Committee has approved new retail fuel rates for July, raising pump prices for petrol and diesel as global crude markets surged earlier this month, according to state news agency, The committee paused rates in June following slight hikes in May after two months of declines. However, oil prices climbed earlier this month amid tensions between Israel and Iran and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting upward pressure on prices. Fuel prices for July Effective July 1, the new prices are: Super 98 petrol: Dhs2.70 per litre, up from Dhs2.58 Special 95 petrol: Dhs2.58 per litre, up from Dhs2.47 last month. E‑Plus 91 petrol: Dhs2.51 per litre, up from Dhs2.39 in the previous month. Diesel: Dhs2.63 per litre, up from Dhs2.45 in June. Fuel prices in the UAE are reviewed monthly and linked to international .
