19/05/2026
Today marks 53 years since the UAE dirham entered circulation on 19 May 1973.
Since then, the dirham has come to represent far more than a national currency. It reflects the UAE’s economic confidence, growth, and ability to build for the long term.
Over five decades, the nation has grown into a global hub for trade, industry, logistics, finance, tourism and innovation. That progress has been shaped by clear leadership, strong infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and a continued focus on competitiveness.
At KEZAD Group, we see this progress every day through the companies that choose Abu Dhabi to manufacture, trade, store, export and scale. Industrial growth is a key part of the UAE’s economic story, and the dirham remains one of its clearest symbols.
In March 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE unveiled the new dirham symbol and launched the Digital Dirham, marking the next stage in the currency’s journey and the UAE’s continued move towards a more advanced digital economy.
The dirham’s evolution reflects the UAE’s own path: confident, resilient and ready for the future.