First Government Financial Transaction Completed with Digital Dirham
In November 2025, the UAE Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Dubai Finance Department and with the support of the Central Bank of the UAE, announced the completion of the first government financial transaction using the “Digital Dirham,” a step described by official authorities as important toward adopting the national digital currency on a broader scale across both the government and private sectors.
Transaction Executed via the mBridge Platform
The transaction was executed through the mBridge platform, developed by the Central Bank of the UAE to settle central bank digital currencies among multiple countries, enabling the issuance, receipt, and settlement of government payments digitally without intermediaries. It was completed in less than two minutes, with the aim of testing operational readiness and ensuring seamless technical integration with the Central Bank’s systems.
Remarks by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State and Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE, affirmed that the Digital Dirham is a strategic pillar in the UAE’s efforts to build an integrated digital economy, reflecting the leadership’s vision to consolidate the country’s position as a global financial center.
Impact of the Step on the UAE’s Financial Standing
Observers believe that this step goes beyond being a technical achievement, placing the UAE at the forefront of countries seeking to employ central bank digital currencies in actual government transactions, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency and reducing settlement time and operational costs.
Source
Source: Official website of the UAE Ministry of Finance, Emirates News Agency (WAM)
