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Hi Dubai
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
New Dirham Symbol in the UAE: Essential Dos and Don'ts You Need to Know
The UAE has officially introduced a new currency symbol for the Dirham, marking a significant milestone in the nation's financial identity. With a sleek design rooted in Arabic calligraphy and national symbolism, the Dirham Currency Symbol represents strength, unity, and modernity. Authorities have issued a comprehensive set of dos and don'ts to ensure the symbol is used correctly and consistently across all platforms. Designed with Purpose The Dirham Currency Symbol is more than a design—it's a cultural emblem. Inspired by classical Arabic scripts like Thuluth and Diwani, the symbol integrates the lines of the UAE flag into the shape of the letter 'D,' creating a visual tribute to the nation's heritage and aspirations. Every curve and stroke is calibrated on a precise grid system, ensuring balance, clarity, and geometric harmony. Usage Dos: Getting It Right To maintain the integrity of the Dirham symbol, the UAE government has outlined several key guidelines: Use in Black or White : For clarity and legibility, the symbol should primarily appear in black or white. : For clarity and legibility, the symbol should primarily appear in black or white. Ensure Proper Contrast : It must always stand out clearly against its background, especially in official documents and financial contexts. : It must always stand out clearly against its background, especially in official documents and financial contexts. Maintain Proportions : The height of the symbol should match the height of the adjacent text. : The height of the symbol should match the height of the adjacent text. Correct Direction : The symbol must follow the direction of the surrounding text, whether left-to-right or right-to-left. : The symbol must follow the direction of the surrounding text, whether left-to-right or right-to-left. Use Either Symbol or 'AED': Never use the Dirham symbol and the abbreviation 'AED' together—choose one. Usage Don'ts: What to Avoid To preserve the symbol's integrity and visual identity, the following practices are strictly discouraged: No Decorative Effects : Avoid gradients, shadows, or any form of artistic embellishment. : Avoid gradients, shadows, or any form of artistic embellishment. No Alterations in Shape : The design must remain exactly as specified; distortions or adjustments are not allowed. : The design must remain exactly as specified; distortions or adjustments are not allowed. No Misalignment : The symbol must not be disproportionately larger or smaller than the text around it. : The symbol must not be disproportionately larger or smaller than the text around it. No Crowding : Always leave sufficient space between the symbol and the numeral it accompanies. : Always leave sufficient space between the symbol and the numeral it accompanies. No Colour Variations in Official Use: Brand colours are allowed only in marketing, and even then, only with high visibility and no effects. A Symbol of National Progress Introduced in May 1973, the UAE Dirham has long been a symbol of economic independence and growth. With this new currency symbol, the UAE not only reaffirms its presence on the global economic stage but also strengthens the visual identity of its national currency. The symbol blends cultural heritage with modern design, offering a powerful representation of the country's journey and values. As the new symbol becomes integrated into pricing, financial documents, and signage, businesses and designers are urged to adhere strictly to the official guidelines to maintain consistency, professionalism, and respect for the national standard. News Source: Central Bank of the UAE
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New UAE Dirham symbol: All dos and don'ts you must know for correct use and official compliance
The new UAE dirham symbol blends national heritage with modern design, featuring a "D" with two lines for physical currency and a circular ring for its digital version / Image (X) On March 27, 2025, the UAE unveiled a new symbol for its national currency, the dirham. A blend of national heritage and modern design, the symbol represents not just the UAE's financial stability but also its vision to strengthen its role in the global economy. Unveiled by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the symbol features the English letter "D" flanked by two horizontal lines, inspired by the UAE flag, signifying the dirham's enduring strength. The design, rooted in classical Arabic calligraphy such as Thuluth and Diwani, reflects elegance and authority through its sweeping curves and pointed endings. The Digital Dirham symbol takes this a step further, incorporating a circular ring around the "D", symbolising security, continuity, and the UAE's forward-looking financial ecosystem. The use of the UAE flag's colours in the digital design reinforces national pride, while the circular motif signifies a tokenised, blockchain-based currency, aiming to enhance global connectivity and transactional efficiency. As part of this launch, local authorities have provided clear guidelines on how the symbol should be used across various platforms to maintain consistency and clarity. Where the Dirham Symbol Should Be Used The authorities emphasize consistent application of the symbol across both physical and digital platforms to maintain clarity and coherence in financial communications. Here's where the symbol is intended to appear: Physical currency : Printed on banknotes and coins. Cheques, invoices, and receipts : Displayed to represent amounts clearly. Point of Sale (POS) systems and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) : For transaction displays. Online and in-store price tags : Ensuring price visibility and uniformity. Financial apps and accounting systems : Used within user interface (UI) fields for clarity. Where the Symbol Should Not Be Used The guidelines also specify clear restrictions to avoid misuse or dilution of the symbol's meaning: It should not be used as a logo or branding element. Avoid using it on splash screens or headers. When writing amounts in words, always use 'Dirhams' instead of the symbol. How to Use the Dirham Symbol Correctly Keyboard Placement: The symbol is assigned to the number 6 key on keyboards for easy access. Placement Rules In single-language contexts, the symbol should be centered relative to the number. In dual-language contexts, place the symbol in the top-left corner. Maintain a minimum clear space of 2mm around the symbol to preserve visibility. On Cheques In the 'amount in figures' field: place the symbol before the numeric value, keeping the symbol the same size and weight as the numbers. In the 'amount in words' field: spell out 'Dirhams' rather than using the symbol. On Receipts Place the symbol before the numeric value. Use the same font, size, and weight for consistency. Text should be in English, right-aligned, with appropriate spacing. On Price Tags The symbol should appear directly before the numeric value. Keep the font, size, and weight consistent. Use either the symbol or 'AED' (the currency code), not both. Maintain clarity and legibility, especially in busy retail settings. Dos and Don'ts for Using the Dirham Symbol Dos: Maintain the shape and direction of the symbol relative to the text. Ensure proportional spacing and size in relation to numerals. Use sufficient contrast so the symbol is easily readable. Use either the symbol or 'AED,' but not both together. Always position the symbol to the left of the numerals. Keep a clear space around the symbol to avoid crowding. Respect the geometry and proportions of the symbol in all uses. Don'ts: Do not distort or alter the symbol in any way. Avoid combining the symbol with 'AED.' Do not reduce contrast or add any decorative elements that could obscure the symbol. Avoid incorrect positioning or sizing, such as placing the symbol after numerals or making it disproportionately large or small in a way that diminishes the clarity of the symbol. As the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) moves forward with the digital transformation of the dirham, the guidelines for the new symbol are a crucial step toward harmonizing physical and digital currency usage. The Digital Dirham, expected to launch for retail use in late 2025, will be issued through licensed financial institutions like banks, exchange houses, and fintech companies. This digital version will utilize blockchain technology to enhance security, reduce transaction costs, and streamline cross-border payments, offering instant, secure settlements with smart contract capabilities for multi-party transactions. Integrated into a secure wallet and smart contract–enabled platform, the Digital Dirham will support retail, wholesale, and cross-border payments, providing a seamless and convenient user experience across various transactions. This move is part of the UAE's broader strategy to establish the dirham as a leading global currency, underpinned by the nation's recent adherence to the FX Global Code. As the first central bank in the Arab region to join this code, the CBUAE is bolstering the dirham's credibility by committing to best practices in currency trading, reinforcing transparency, market integrity, and ethical standards. These developments signal a new chapter for the dirham, not only strengthening its role in the UAE's financial ecosystem but also positioning the currency to play a more influential role in the global digital payments space.
Shafaq News
21-05-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Spirit in the script: Iraq's Ramadi guardian of calligraphy
Shafaq News/ In a quiet corner of Ramadi city in central Iraq, Imad al-Khattat dips his pen into ink and begins tracing a verse in Jali Diwani script. Around him, the walls are lined with canvases of calligraphy—each stroke a reflection of discipline, memory, and faith. 'When I write, I don't follow the line,' he says. 'The line follows me.' Al-Khattat established Al-Anbar's first Arabic calligraphy studio in 1976. He was the province's first member of the Iraqi Calligraphers Association, alongside colleagues from Fallujah and Haditha. Their membership helped formalize a craft long absent from the region's artistic institutions. 'Calligraphy isn't decoration,' he told Shafaq News. 'It's a language of spirit.' His career spans nearly five decades, during which he has participated in regional exhibitions in Turkiye, Sharjah, Dubai, and Amman. Despite the exposure, he has never accepted awards. 'Competitions are based on taste, not integrity,' he explained. 'The work speaks for itself.' One of al-Khattat's most renowned pieces, Al-Hilya, combines Thuluth, Ijazah, and Jali Diwani scripts, structured around classical ratios and adorned with religious phrases. He views it as a spiritual offering. 'It's not a product; it's a written prayer.' He also criticized the growing practice of digital replication, where calligraphers' signatures are removed and their works are marketed under other names. 'It's not just theft—it's deletion.' Al-Khattat recalls working at a local glass factory early in his career, where he applied gold calligraphy to drinking vessels and supervised their design through kiln processing. He credits this experience with shaping his precision and patience. 'I begin with Jali Diwani, then Thuluth, Diwani, Taliq, and finally Ijazah... Each script leads me where it wants.' Text selection, he insists, is never arbitrary. Religious verses, invocations, and classical Arabic poetry form the core of his work. 'If the viewer feels nothing, the piece has failed.' Today, the Iraqi calligrapher works privately on hand-copying the Quran—a task he considers the pinnacle of his artistic and spiritual journey. However, he refuses to sell his original pieces. 'They hold part of me,' he said. 'You can't assign a price to that.'
Arab Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Arabic calligraphy: Where the spirit of the past meets the rhythm of the present
ALGIERS, May 15: Arabic calligraphy, long regarded as one of the most exquisite forms of artistic expression in Islamic and Arab cultures, continues to captivate with its harmonious blend of aesthetic form and deep meaning. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a refined visual art that mirrors the rhythm of poetry— mesmerizing in its beauty while continuously renewing itself without compromising its authenticity. Characterized by fluid curves and precise extensions, Arabic calligraphy today stands as a vibrant expression of both heritage and adaptability. It continues to hold its place in adorning mosques, enriching manuscripts, and embellishing public squares and museums across the Arab world. The strength of Arabic calligraphy lies in its rich diversity. From the elegant flow of Naskh script to the ornate complexity of Thuluth, the graceful lines of Diwani, the geometric precision of Kufic, and contemporary letter-based designs, each script carries the signature of its era and the identity of its creators. This fusion of tradition and innovation was on full display at the 13th International Cultural Festival of Arabic Calligraphy, which concluded its latest edition in Algeria on Wednesday. The event brought together contemporary artists and calligraphers who showcased more than 100 works, demonstrating how Arabic calligraphy continues to evolve beyond its classical roots. Participants pushed creative boundaries, using calligraphy as a dynamic medium to express modern artistic visions, while remaining rooted in a deep cultural and spiritual legacy. The works presented during the festival reaffirmed the enduring relevance of calligraphy as a living art — one that shines brightly in the ever-evolving landscape of Arab creativity.
Shafaq News
12-05-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Spirit in the script: Ramadi's guardian of calligraphy
Shafaq News/ In a quiet corner of Ramadi, Imad al-Khattat dips his pen into ink and begins tracing a verse in Jali Diwani script. Around him, the walls are lined with canvases of calligraphy—each stroke a reflection of discipline, memory, and faith. 'When I write, I don't follow the line,' he says. 'The line follows me.' Al-Khattat established Anbar's first Arabic calligraphy studio in 1976. He was the province's first member of the Iraqi Calligraphers' Association, alongside colleagues from Fallujah and Haditha. Their membership helped formalize a craft long absent from the region's artistic institutions. 'Calligraphy isn't decoration,' he told Shafaq News. 'It's a language of spirit.' His career spans nearly five decades, during which he has participated in regional exhibitions in Turkiye, Sharjah, Dubai, and Amman. Despite the exposure, he has never accepted awards. 'Competitions are based on taste, not integrity,' he noted. 'The work speaks for itself.' One of al-Khattat's most renowned pieces, al-Hilya, combines Thuluth, Ijazah, and Jali Diwani scripts, structured around classical ratios and adorned with religious phrases. He views it as a spiritual offering. 'It's not a product; it's a written prayer.' He also criticized the growing practice of digital replication, where calligraphers' signatures are removed and their works marketed under other names. 'It's not just theft—it's deletion.' Al-Khattat recalls working at a local glass factory early in his career, where he applied gold calligraphy to drinking vessels and supervised their design through kiln processing. He credits this experience with shaping his precision and patience. His workflow follows a practiced instinct. 'I begin with Jali Diwani, then Thuluth, Diwani, Taliq, and finally Ijazah,' he explained. 'Each script leads me where it wants.' Text selection, he insists, is never arbitrary. Religious verses, invocations, and classical Arabic poetry form the core of his work. 'If the viewer feels nothing, the piece has failed.' Today, al-Khattat works privately on hand-copying the Quran—a task he considers the pinnacle of his artistic and spiritual journey. However, he refuses to sell his original pieces. 'They hold part of me,' he said. 'You can't assign a price to that.'
