UAE central bank governor expects central bank digital currency to launch in Q4 2025

March 28 - Khaled Mohamed Balama, governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), has said that the blockchain-based Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) digital dirham is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2025, Cointelegraph reported. The digital currency will help enhance financial stability and combat financial crime. In addition, the digital dirham will be accepted in all payment channels as physical currency.Balama said the digital dirham will further facilitate the development of innovative digital products, services and new business models, while reducing costs and increasing access to international markets.