Mastering the new Dirham symbol: 8 common mistakes to avoid
In its latest advisory, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) emphasizes the importance of correct usage of the newly introduced Dirham symbol. In a video released on September 1, 2025, via its official X account, the bank highlighted eight frequent mistakes individuals and businesses must steer clear of.
- Wrong placement: always place the symbol before the number; trailing the numeral is incorrect.
- Spacing: ensure sufficient space between the symbol and the digits to preserve clarity.
- Distortion: do not stretch, skew, or otherwise alter the symbol’s shape.
- Structural integrity: preserve the original geometric proportions at all times.
- Consistency in height: the symbol must match the height of the numeral next to it.
- Text direction: the symbol’s orientation must align with the direction of the surrounding text (i.e., left-to-right or right-to-left context).
- Clear surrounding space: leave empty space around the symbol equal to one-third of its height to maintain legibility.
- Contrast: ensure strong color contrast between the symbol and its background.
The CBUAE further clarified appropriate contexts for the symbol, pointing out the places and phrases where the symbol should be used and shouldn't be used; where it belongs:
- Invoices, receipts, and POS systems – Always placed before the numeral, never alongside “AED” or “Dh.”
- Retail and price tags – To be displayed before product prices.
- Digital platforms – Consistent alignment across mobile apps, banking portals, and websites.
Where it shouldn’t be used:
- In company logos, app icons, or decorative branding.
- Alongside “AED” or “Dh” abbreviations.
- In legal or formal writing where the word “Dirhams” must be spelled out.
The dirham symbol, unveiled in March 2025, signifies a significant step towards giving the UAE’s currency a unified global shorthand akin to the “$,” “£,” or “€” symbols. However, since it has yet to receive Unicode approval, it cannot yet be typed reliably across all digital platforms, making adherence to these guidelines especially crucial during this transitional phase.
As the symbol gradually finds its way into everyday use, the CBUAE’s timely guidance serves as a reminder: even a single misplacement or distortion can undermine the symbol’s purpose and official standing. When it comes to the new Dirham symbol, precision is key.
