Currency in Abu Dhabi, UAE

      UAE currency is Dirhams (Dhs), also known as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham). One Dirham is divided into 100 fils. Notes appear in denominations of Dhs.5 (brown), Dhs.10 (green), Dhs.20 (light blue), Dhs.50 (purple), Dhs.100 (pink), Dhs.200 (yellow-brown), Dhs.500 (blue) and Dhs.1,000 (brownie-purple). The values of the denominations are printed on the notes in both English and Arabic. There are three coins with silver colour being widely used in UAE. The Dh.1 coin is the largest, the 50 fils is smaller but 7-sided and the 25 fils is of smaller to the 50 fils but is of round shape.

Cash exceeding Dhs 40,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency supposed to be declared to airport customs control upon entry. More details on the currencies can be obtained from the website of the Central Bank of UAE. The Dirhams has been pegged to the US Dollar at a mid rate of $1 to Dhs.3.67. Money exchanges (bureau de changes) are available all over Abu Dhabi in all major malls and popular shopping centers and offer rates that are often better than the banks. Money Exchange centers are usually open Saturday to Thursday, from 8am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm and on Friday evenings. Many hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai also offer exchange of money and traveller's cheques at standard rates.