What Is the Currency of the United Arab Emirates? | UAE Dirham (AED) Guide
💰 Official Currency of the UAE
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED).
The Dirham is the sole legal tender for all daily expenses, shopping, bills, and official transactions across the UAE.
Brief History of the UAE Currency
The UAE officially adopted its national currency, the Dirham, in 1973. Before that, different emirates used their own currencies or currencies from neighboring countries, such as the Saudi Riyal.
The UAE’s monetary policy is centrally managed to maintain economic stability and control the exchange rate. Financial regulations are overseen by the Central Bank of the UAE. The UAE economy is largely based on oil, services, construction, and tourism sectors.
Dirham Code and Subunit
Currency Code: AED
Symbol: د.إ
Subunit: 1 Dirham = 100 fils
Fils coins are used for small transactions, but most pricing is done in Dirhams.
Banknotes and Coins in Circulation
📌Banknotes in Circulation
5 AED
10 AED
20 AED
50 AED
100 AED
200 AED
500 AED
1000 AED
📌Coins in Circulation
1 fils
5 fils
10 fils
25 fils
50 fils
1 AED
Banknotes are uniform across the country, while coins often feature UAE-specific designs on one side.
Can I Send Money from Turkey to the UAE?
Yes.
With PayPorter, sending money from Turkey to the UAE is fast, secure, and cost-effective. Using this international money transfer service, funds reach recipients quickly and reliably.
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You can visit the relevant transfer page to send money from Turkey to the UAE.
Can Dirhams Be Used in Turkey?
The Dirham is not an official currency in Turkey. However, as a widely recognized foreign currency, it can be exchanged easily at banks and exchange offices.
For individual and commercial transactions between Turkey and the UAE, payments are usually conducted in Dirhams. Secure transfers from the UAE to Turkey are also possible.
Interesting Facts About the UAE Currency
The Dirham is the official currency in all emirates of the UAE.
Contactless payment and digital banking are common in major cities.
Cash is still heavily used in rural areas.
Payment infrastructure is well-developed in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UAE Currency ❓
What is the official currency of the UAE?
The official currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED).
Is any other currency accepted in the UAE?
No. The only legal tender is the AED.
Can I send money from Turkey to the UAE?
Yes. Using money transfer services such as PayPorter, you can send money quickly and securely.
Is credit card usage common in the UAE?
Yes. Cards and contactless payments are widely used in major cities, while cash is still prevalent in rural areas.
Can I withdraw money from ATMs in the UAE?
Yes. ATMs are common in city centers and tourist areas. Transaction fees vary depending on the bank.
Last Uptade: March 2026
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