The United Arab Emirates has officially completed its first government transaction using the Digital Dirham, marking a historic step toward full digital transformation in national finance. The transaction, executed by the Ministry of Finance and Dubai Finance, was processed through the mBridge payment platform in under two minutes, representing a major advancement in efficiency and transparency for government systems.
According to Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, this achievement represents a milestone in the country’s financial evolution, demonstrating the UAE’s leadership in digital government payments and the practical use of central bank digital currency (CBDC) within official systems.
Today, Ministry of Finance & Dubai Finance marked a pivotal milestone in the history of government financial transformation in the UAE, as we executed the first government transaction using the Digital Dirham issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, representing the future of the… pic.twitter.com/gYRiTC1Euh
— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) November 11, 2025
The Digital Dirham project, overseen by the Central Bank of the UAE, is designed to modernize financial operations across both government and private sectors. Beyond streamlining settlements, it serves as a key component in integrating the UAE’s national financial ecosystem with international digital payment standards.
A Vision for Transparent and Efficient Governance
Officials emphasized that the adoption of the Digital Dirham supports greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management. It also lays the groundwork for faster settlements, reduced transaction costs, and improved liquidity between government institutions.
By executing this first live transaction, the UAE has signaled its readiness to expand the use of the Digital Dirham across broader economic activities, a move that underscores the nation’s commitment to shaping a secure, innovation-driven digital economy.