The UAE dirham symbol has been approved for inclusion in Unicode version 18.0, clearing the way for its appearance on keyboards and digital devices worldwide beginning September 2026. The decision by the Unicode Consortium marks a technical but meaningful step in formalising the dirham’s digital presence across global platforms.
Unicode is the international standard that ensures text and symbols display consistently across operating systems, smartphones, apps, and websites. Once a symbol is encoded, companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Microsoftcan integrate it into software updates and keyboard layouts. However, approval does not guarantee immediate rollout. Device manufacturers control update cycles, and older devices may never receive the new character.
For UAE users, Unicode approval means the dirham symbol will eventually function like the dollar, euro, or pound sign across digital systems. It can be typed directly, embedded in financial documents, and rendered consistently in apps and online platforms without relying on image files or custom fonts. The consortium described the introduction of a new currency symbol as a milestone for financial and commercial activity within its domain, reflecting the importance of digital standardisation in modern economies.
The Central Bank of the UAE has recommended placing the dirham symbol on the number 6 key across keyboard layouts. While this provides guidance, manufacturers may adjust implementation depending on regional keyboard configurations. Physical keyboards are likely to take longer to reflect the change, given slower hardware replacement cycles compared to software-based smartphone updates.
Unicode 18.0 will also introduce 13,048 new characters, including the Omani rial symbol, indicating broader Gulf Cooperation Council efforts to standardise currency representation in digital systems. Beyond currency, the update adds support for additional scripts such as Chisoi, a modern writing system used in eastern India.
The dirham symbol was first unveiled in March 2025 as part of wider initiatives aimed at strengthening the UAE’s role in digital finance and cross-border commerce. Standardising the symbol at the Unicode level is a practical requirement for global interoperability, particularly as digital payments, e-commerce, and financial apps continue to expand.
While September 2026 marks the official publication date for Unicode 18.0, consumer availability will depend on how quickly software vendors incorporate the update. Smartphones may see the symbol first through operating system updates, while some older devices may not support it at all.
In practical terms, the approval moves the dirham closer to parity with other major global currencies in digital environments. The real impact will depend on adoption speed, but the technical foundation for universal support is now in place.
