United Arab Emirates Dirham

(

AED

) Overview

History, value and economic impact

Country/Region
United Arab Emirates
Regulated by
Central Bank of United Arab Emirates
Symbol
د.إ

Introduction to the

AED

currency

The UAE dirham (AED) is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai. The dirham is pegged to the United States dollar at a rate of 1 USD to 3.6725 AED. The currency is divided into 100 smaller units called fils. There are coin denominations of 1, 5, and 10 fils, as well as banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 dirhams. The dirham plays a crucial role in global finance as a reserve currency and is popular in forex trading.

The Emirati dirham was established in 1973 to replace the currencies of Qatar and Dubai. It was created to stabilize the economy, as oil exports were booming. The currency was initially pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 3.6725 AED to 1 USD. Over the years, the dirham has changed in size and composition and introduced new coin denominations.

The UAE dirham holds a significant position in global finance as a reserve currency and is widely used in forex trading. Its stable exchange rate with the US dollar has helped maintain economic stability in the country and attract foreign investors. The currency's value also has an impact on the country's economy and global trade.

The pegging of the dirham to the USD has provided stability in the country's economy, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment. The currency's value affects the cost of imports and exports, impacting the country's global trade.

Economic overview
of the

United Arab Emirates Dirham

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) uses the Emirati dirham (AED) as its official currency, with denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirham notes and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils. The UAE dirham is pegged at a rate of 3.6725 against the United States dollar, a policy in place since 1973. This pegging ensures stability and predictability in the exchange rate, making it easier for businesses and investors to operate in the region. 

The currency's value is influenced by various economic indicators such as GDP growth rate, inflation rate, and interest rates. Factors affecting its value against other major currencies include oil exports, economic diversification efforts, and geopolitical stability in the region.

As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the UAE shares a common currency peg policy with countries like Qatar and Dubai, which also peg their currencies to the US dollar. The Qatari riyal and Dubai riyal are pegged at a rate of 1 Qatari riyal to 3.6725 dirhams. 

The value of the currency is closely tied to the performance of the US dollar, with central banks often intervening in the market to maintain the peg. Recently, some countries in the region have been considering devaluing their currency to boost exports and economic growth, but so far the peg remains in place.

Historical performance of

AED

The Emirati Dirham (AED) has a fascinating history closely tied to the economic development of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai. Established in 1973, the UAE Dirham became the official currency of the region, replacing the Dubai Riyal at a rate of 1 Dirham to 100 Fils. 

Initially pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 3.6725 AED to 1 USD, the currency's value has fluctuated over time due to various economic events such as oil exports, economic crises, and policy changes. The Dirham is divided into smaller denominations such as banknotes, 50 Fils coins, 10 Fils coins, and 1 Dirham coins, with each being pegged to maintain stability against major currencies.

Over the years, the UAE Dirham has experienced fluctuations in its value against major currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, and British Pound. Charts and graphs showcasing the currency's performance over time reveal how significant events such as economic crises, political instability, and major policy changes have impacted its value. 

For example, the decision by Qatar and Dubai to devalue their currencies had a direct effect on the Emirati Dirham, leading to a period of uncertainty in the currency's value.

Past 1 year
performance for
AED
0.22%
1 Year

Current rate
د.إ
1 =
105.375
GBP
AED

Major factors influencing

AED

Internal factors affecting
United Arab Emirates Dirham
  • The monetary policy
  • Economic health
  • Political stability
External factors affecting
United Arab Emirates Dirham
  • Global market trends
  • Commodity prices

Apart from this another major factors influencing the currency of the United Arab Emirates is its peg to the US dollar.

Investment and trading information for

AED

The currency peg is intended to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investments, especially in light of the UAE's reliance on oil exports. Dubai Riyal and Qatar Riyal were the former currencies of their respective regions, before pegging their currencies to the AED.

The AED is known for its stable peg to the USD, making it a reliable choice for investors in the forex market. Investors and traders should pay attention to the market during the most volatile times, usually during major economic announcements or geopolitical events. The AED's sound economic fundamentals and stable peg make it an attractive addition to international investment portfolios. 

The currency is widely used in the UAE and beyond, including digital transactions and remittances, making it a versatile and accessible choice for consumers and businesses alike.

Travel and exchange information

With its stable exchange rate and diverse denominations, the dirham remains a popular choice for travelers in the region. Below are some currency exchange tips to keep in mind when traveling to Dubai or Qatar: 

  • When exchanging money in Qatar and Dubai, it's important to be aware of the current exchange rate and any fees that may apply. 
  • It's always advisable to exchange money at reputable currency exchange outlets or banks to ensure you get the best rates. 
  • Compare rates at different outlets, avoid exchanging money at hotels or airports where rates may be higher, and consider using local ATMs to withdraw cash in the local currency.
  • The UAE dirham is accepted in several countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Qatar and Bahrain. 
  • It's also widely accepted in Dubai for various transactions.

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