Companies & Deals
Share
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has published a comprehensive report detailing the progress, design principles, and policy framework behind its upcoming central bank digital currency, the Digital Dirham.
The report consolidates key achievements in the development of the Digital Dirham, signaling that the UAE’s CBDC is now entering the final stages before an official launch.
Beyond reaffirming its role as part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) program, the report highlights advanced features of the Digital Dirham, including offline usability, smart contract functionality, and cross-border payment capabilities. These are designed to enhance payment efficiency, broaden financial inclusion, and enable access for unbanked individuals and non-residents.
The CBUAE stressed its collaboration with banks, financial institutions, and technology partners to ensure seamless adoption across retail and commercial use cases. A dedicated digital wallet platform will support transactions from online shopping and in-store payments to peer-to-peer transfers.
Disclaimer of Warranty
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. We make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Read full disclaimer
Governor H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama described the Digital Dirham as a “key strategic initiative shaping the future of financial services in the UAE” and reaffirmed the central bank’s “consistent and prudent approach” to its rollout.
While the CBUAE has previously conducted cross-border trials and a real-value retail pilot, this latest report is the clearest indication yet that the official launch of the Digital Dirham is imminent.
The initiative reinforces the UAE’s position as a leader in CBDC development, aligning with global best practices from the IMF and BIS while promoting a secure, efficient, and inclusive payment ecosystem.
With the latest report, the CBUAE signals its readiness for the next phase of the Digital Dirham, underscoring its commitment to a careful, phased, and secure introduction into the market.
📌 For readers interested in further details:
Editor's Picks

UAE Stablecoins: Why They Are Built to Travel, Not Stay Local
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 28, 2026
8 min

The Central Bank of the UAE Clearing the Noise Around Article 62
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 25, 2026
5 min

Europe’s Crypto Purge: Did Lithuania Just Kick Out Innovation — and is the UAE the Beneficiary?
Salma Naueihed
Feb 18, 2026
7 min
Read More Articles
In the Same Space

UAE Stablecoins: Why They Are Built to Travel, Not Stay Local
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 28, 2026
8 min

VARA Issues Alert Against MEXC Over Unlicensed Activity
News Desk
Mar 6, 2026
2 min

OCC Faces Scrutiny from Elizabeth Warren Over Trump-Linked Crypto Bank Bid
News Desk
Feb 27, 2026
3 min

Dubai Taxi Eyes Crypto Gateway Amid UAE Stablecoin Push
News Desk
Feb 26, 2026
2 min