New digital standard allows companies to add the symbol to devices, apps and websites.
Dubai: The UAE dirham symbol has been added to Unicode 18.0, giving technology companies a standardised way to display it across smartphones, computers, apps and websites.
Unicode has assigned the dirham symbol the unique code U+20C3, which allows software to recognise and display it consistently. The move brings the dirham sign a step closer to appearing in digital text alongside other internationally recognised currency symbols.
In its September 16 announcement, the Unicode Consortium described the dirham sign as one of the release’s “most anticipated new characters”. The Maldivian rufiyaa and Omani rial symbols were also added in the same update.
The three symbols had already been approved for public use by their respective monetary authorities, but Unicode said the absence of standardised codes had limited their use across digital platforms.
“Vendors are now able to implement support for these symbols,” the organisation said.
When will it appear on your phone?
The update does not automatically add a dirham key to every phone or computer. Device makers, operating system providers, font developers and app companies will need to add support through their own updates. Keyboard makers will also determine how users can access the new symbol.
This means residents could see the dirham sign on an updated app or website before it becomes available on their phone’s keyboard. In separate guidance on currency symbols, Unicode noted that some older devices may never receive native support if their manufacturers stop providing updates. It has not given a timeline for when the dirham sign will be supported across all devices.
The standardised code gives businesses and developers a common character for use in prices, invoices and other financial text. Until software supports the symbol, some may continue using an image of the sign or a platform-specific font.
The Central Bank of the UAE unveiled the official dirham symbol on March 27, 2025. According to Unicode’s specification, the design takes the letter “D” from dirham and adds two horizontal lines inspired by the UAE flag. The lines also symbolise the currency’s financial and monetary stability.
The Central Bank has published guidance showing how the symbol could appear on the number 6 key. Its placement on keyboards, however, will depend on individual manufacturers.
Unicode 18.0 adds 13,007 characters, including nine new emoji. This brings the total number of characters in the standard to 172,808, according to the consortium.
