What is the currency in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE?

The currency in the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED), also referred to as the Emirati dirham. So if you’re planning a shopping trip around Dubai’s malls or a visit to Abu Dhabi’s theme parks, this is what you’ll need for your holiday spending.

The UAE comprises seven emirates, so – as well as Abu Dhabi and Dubai – the UAE Dirham is used in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It’s the only legal tender in the country.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about the United Arab Emirates’ currency in our in-depth UAE currency guide below, including popular payment methods. And if you’re ready to buy your Travel Money, you can order UAE dirham online*.

What is the UAE currency?

The UAE dirham is the official currency and only legal tender of the United Arab Emirates. Its currency code is AED and it’s also referred to as the Emirati dirham. 

Its official symbol is د.إ, although you’ll often see prices followed by the symbol Dh or Dhs. Each dirham is made up of 100 fils ( فلس) and the currency is available as both coins and banknotes.

UAE dirham denominations

Coins include:

25 fils, 50 fils and AED 1

Banknotes include:

AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000

What is the currency in Dubai?

As Dubai is one of the UAE’s seven emirates, the currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham (AED).

What is the currency in Abu Dhabi?

The currency in Abu Dhabi is the UAE Dirham, the official currency across the United Arab Emirates.

Can I use UAE dirhams anywhere else in the world?

No – UAE dirhams are only used in the United Arab Emirates, so you won’t be able to spend them elsewhere.

What is the current exchange rate for UAE Dirhams?

Exchange rates change all the time, so for today’s GBP to AED rate, take a look at our UAE dirham currency exchange calculator.

Can you take UAE dirhams out of the country?

Yes, you can take UAE dirhams out of the United Arab Emirates – but there are limits to how much cash you can carry before you’ll need to declare it. Read our guide to travelling with cash for more guidance.

What payment methods are accepted in the UAE?

Whichever emirate you’re travelling to in the UAE, it’s a good idea to take more than one payment method. Taking cash will be useful for shopping in Abu Dhabi’s souks or tipping in Dubai’s restaurants, whereas card payments are useful for bigger purchases.

Cash

Historically, the UAE has been a cash-based economy, and cash is still a popular payment method across the country today. A recent study found that around 23% of consumer transactions in the UAE are still carried out in cash, citing things like taxi fares, markets and public transport among the most common things to use cash for.

Debit, credit and prepaid cards

Debit and credit cards are widely used and accepted across the UAE. Visa and Mastercard are the most common, and Amex is also supported in lots of locations. Just bear in mind that cash is still the preferred payment option for smaller payments, like buying souvenirs at souks. And if you are paying by card, for example for a meal at a restaurant, it’s usually better to pay in the local currency if you’re given multiple options.

Digital wallets

Apple Pay and Samsung Pay have been available in the UAE since 2017, and Google Pay was launched here in 2022. All three payment options are now widely accepted – particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are more tourist-focused – alongside local digital wallet options like Payit and Klip.

How much money should I take to the UAE?

The cost of living in the UK is around 16% higher than in United Arab Emirates at the time of writing, so you may find your money goes further when you’re visiting the UAE – although it depends which emirate you’re staying in. Costs in Dubai, for example, often work out more expensive than those in Abu Dhabi. 

We’ve provided a few example costs for two of the most popular emirates with tourists – Dubai and Abu Dhabi – to give you an idea of how costs in each compare to London.

Dubai average costs*:

• A mid-range three-course meal for two: £80.00 in London vs £62.04 (300 AED) in Dubai
• A regular cappuccino: £4.01 in London vs £4.38 (21.17 AED) in Dubai
• A one-way ticket on local transport: £3.50 in London vs £1.24 (6 AED) in Dubai

Abu Dhabi average costs*:

• A mid-range three-course meal for two: £80.00 in London vs £51.70 (250 AED) in Abu Dhabi
• A regular cappuccino: £4.01 in London vs £4.21 (20.33 AED) in Abu Dhabi
• A one-way ticket on local transport: £3.50 in London vs 52p (2.50 AED) in Abu Dhabi

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at November 2025.

Buying UAE dirhams with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go? Buy UAE dirhams online for Click & Collect from your nearest participating M&S store*. 

* T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.