6 Dos & Don’ts Of The New Dirham Symbol Every UAE Resident Should Know

We always wondered why the UAE dirham was always written as AED or Dhs. The constant confusion about choosing between these two options was endless. But the Central Bank of the UAE has understood our plight and announced the launch of a new symbol to denote UAE Dirham. Is it official? Well, that’s debatable as it’s yet to be approved by Unicode. So, while we get a confirmation about it, let’s understand how this new symbol will bring in new changes in the usage for residents and businesses in the UAE.

UAE’s New Currency Symbol Unveiled!

 

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What does this D with two lines cutting through the centre denote? Well, as we know, D is for Dirham, the official name of the currency used in the UAE. But there’s more to it. The two lines that are put in the middle are inspired by the stripes on the flag of the UAE. The curved ends are taken from the Arabic calligraphy and the pointed ends denote grace and authority.
Woah, that’s a lot of information hidden in one small symbol, isn’t it?

Let’s Dive Down To The 6 Dos & Don’ts Of Arabic Dirham Symbol

1. Position: Whenever using the symbol, mention it on the left side of the number.
2. Spacing: Leave sufficient space between the symbol and the amount.
3. Proportions: Always maintain the size and proportion of the symbol similar to the one unveiled by CBUAE
4. Geometry: No space should be added between the two lines on D.
5. Direction: Make sure to match the symbol and numeral direction
6. Symbol vs Currency Code: AED and currency symbol should never be used together.

Also Read: UAE Just Unveiled Its Dirham Symbol For Both Physical & Digital Forms!

Facts About The New UAE Dirham Symbol Every UAE Resident Should Know About!

1. The New Dirham Symbol Is Joining Your Keyboard, Soon!

If you’re wondering where to find the new UAE dirham symbol on your keyboard, the symbol has been designated to appear on the number 6 key. Yes, right above the ‘6’, where you usually find the caret (^) or another secondary symbol, you’ll now spot the official currency sign.

On single-language keyboards, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has instructed that the symbol should sit right in the centre, both horizontally and vertically. But if your keyboard has two languages, the symbol shifts to the top left corner of the key to make space for the second script. So next time you type out prices or budgets, you might just notice this sleek new addition under your fingers.

2. Here’s What the Dirham Symbol Actually Looks Like

The design? It’s simple but striking. Think of a capital D, but with two graceful, wavy lines slicing through it. These curved lines flow upward from the left and dip downward on the right, giving it a distinctive and dynamic look.

While the core form of the symbol must remain consistent, fonts can slightly tweak it to suit their style as long as the shape stays recognisable. The CBUAE allows minor adjustments only if the symbol remains readable and doesn’t lose its identity. No over-styling, please.

3. You Might Soon Spot It On Cheques Too

Getting a new chequebook? Expect to see the dirham symbol printed right before the amount in figures. The currency symbol will sit neatly in line with the numerals. But when it comes to writing out the value in words, stick to spelling out “dirhams” in full. Using the symbol is a no-go, especially for legal clarity.

4. Where You’ll Actually See the Dirham Symbol In Action

The dirham symbol isn’t limited to keyboards & cheque books. It’s already out on online shopping sites like noon.ae, at ATMs, on price tags, receipts, and even on digital calculators. It’s meant for anywhere that shows prices in numerals.

But here’s the catch: don’t use it in your logo, on splash screens, or in promotional branding. That’s off-limits. Just like the UAE flag, this currency symbol deserves respect in how and where it appears.

So next time you see a symbol denoting currency instead of AED or Dhs, don’t be surprised!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Photocreo, CBUAE/Website