PANews reported on March 28 that according to Cointelegraph, Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), said that the blockchain-based central bank digital currency (CBDC) digital dirham is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2025. The digital currency will help enhance financial stability and combat financial crime. In addition, the digital dirham will be accepted in all payment channels like physical currency. Balama said that the digital dirham will further promote the development of innovative digital products, services and new business models, while reducing costs and increasing access to international markets.