1 United Arab Emirates Dirham to South African Rand

Find the daily exchange rates for AED/ZAR and for all the top World currencies.

Countries That Use United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) as their official currency

The United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) is used as the main currency in the following countries: United Arab Emirates

Countries That Use South African Rand (ZAR) as their official currency

The South African Rand (South African Rand) is used as the main currency in the following countries: South Africa

About The United Arab Emirates Dirham (ZAR)

The ZAR - South African Rand - is the official currency of South Africa, a country known for its diverse landscapes, rich natural resources, and cultural heritage. The Rand is symbolized by 'R' and abbreviated as 'ZAR,' which stands for 'Zuid-Afrikaanse Rand,' named after the Witwatersrand, an area rich in gold deposits. The Rand is subdivided into 100 smaller units called 'cents.' The Rand plays a critical role in supporting South Africa's economy, the most industrialized and diversified economy on the African continent, known for its mining, agriculture, finance, and tourism sectors.

The South African Rand was introduced in 1961, replacing the South African Pound as part of the country's move to a decimal currency system. The introduction coincided with South Africa becoming a republic, signaling a new chapter in the country’s history. Since its introduction, the Rand has undergone periods of significant fluctuation, influenced by both domestic factors, such as political changes, and global commodity price movements. South Africa's vast reserves of gold, platinum, and other minerals make the Rand a commodity-linked currency, which means its value often fluctuates in response to global commodity prices.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the central bank of South Africa, is responsible for issuing and regulating the Rand. Established in 1921, the SARB plays a crucial role in maintaining monetary stability, managing inflation, and promoting sustainable economic growth. The central bank formulates monetary policy, sets interest rates, and oversees the financial system to ensure the stability of the Rand. The Rand is a free-floating currency, with its value determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market. The SARB also intervenes in the currency market when necessary to prevent excessive volatility and support financial stability.

The South African Rand is issued in both coin and banknote forms. Coins are available in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 Rand. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Rand. The banknotes feature portraits of Nelson Mandela, the former president and global symbol of freedom, who is revered for his role in ending apartheid and uniting the nation. The reverse sides of the banknotes depict South Africa’s famous 'Big Five' animals—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—symbolizing the country’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty. The banknotes also incorporate advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting, such as color-shifting ink, watermarks, and security threads.

South Africa's economy is diverse, with key sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and tourism. The Rand plays a central role in facilitating economic activities across the country, from the bustling financial district of Johannesburg to the agricultural regions of the Western Cape. South Africa is one of the world’s leading producers of gold, platinum, and diamonds, and the Rand's value is often influenced by fluctuations in commodity prices. The Rand is also used in the Common Monetary Area (CMA), which includes neighboring countries like Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini, further extending its influence beyond South Africa's borders.

The South African Rand is used throughout the country for all forms of transactions, from everyday purchases in local markets to large financial transactions in major cities. Tourists visiting South Africa will use the Rand for their travel expenses, including exploring famous attractions such as Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. The Rand serves as a practical currency for daily life and as a symbol of South Africa’s economic independence, natural beauty, and cultural richness.

Despite facing challenges such as political instability, economic inequality, and currency volatility, the South African Rand has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The South African Reserve Bank’s prudent monetary policies and the country’s commitment to economic reforms have helped maintain the value of the Rand and ensured its continued role in the regional and global economy. As South Africa continues to grow and diversify its economy, the Rand remains a symbol of the nation’s progress, determination, and aspirations for a prosperous and inclusive future. The Rand embodies the spirit of resilience that characterizes the South African people as they navigate both local and global economic challenges.

About The United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

The AED - United Arab Emirates Dirham - is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates located in the Arabian Peninsula. Commonly represented by the symbol 'د.إ' or 'DH,' the Dirham is abbreviated as AED, which stands for 'Arab Emirates Dirham.' Each Dirham is subdivided into 100 smaller units called 'fils.' The currency holds great importance in the UAE’s economic development and symbolizes the country’s rapid transformation into a modern, diversified economy.

The Dirham was introduced on May 19, 1973, replacing the Bahraini Dinar and the Qatari and Dubai Riyal, which were previously used in various parts of the UAE. The introduction of the Dirham unified the country's currency system, providing consistency across all seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. This change played a critical role in supporting the UAE's economic growth during the oil boom of the 1970s.

The name 'Dirham' is derived from the Greek word 'drachma,' which was historically used across the Arabian Peninsula due to ancient trade routes. The Dirham is often linked to the historical influence of trading with Greece, and it reflects the deep-rooted economic history of the region.

The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 3.6725 AED to 1 USD, a peg that has been in place since 1997. This fixed exchange rate has provided the UAE with monetary stability, especially important given the country’s role as a global business hub. The peg to the US Dollar supports investor confidence and helps the UAE maintain stable financial markets, particularly given its heavy involvement in international trade, tourism, and finance.

In terms of currency circulation, the Dirham comes in both coin and banknote forms. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 fils, as well as 1 Dirham, while banknotes range from 5 to 1000 Dirhams. The banknotes feature iconic landmarks and symbols of the UAE, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Burj Khalifa, and traditional cultural elements like the Dallah (Arabian coffee pot). These images reflect the UAE's blend of tradition and modernity.

The AED is widely used throughout the UAE, and its stability and reliability have contributed to the country’s rapid economic growth, making it a major financial center in the Middle East. The Dirham is also used by tourists, foreign workers, and investors, which has helped the currency maintain a significant presence beyond the UAE’s borders. The UAE’s commitment to economic diversification, along with its robust financial sector, has ensured that the Dirham remains a strong and stable currency in the global market.

As the UAE continues its ambitious development projects, the Dirham will play a crucial role in facilitating trade, tourism, and investment in the country, reflecting the UAE's dynamic and resilient economy.

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) Frequently Used Conversions