Central banks of Bahrain, UAE sign currency swap agreement

09/04/2026 01:53 AST

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) have announced the establishment of a currency swap agreement between the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) and the UAE Dirham (AED) during a virtual signing ceremony.

The agreement has a nominal value of BD2 billion (AED20 billion), with a tenor of five years.

A currency swap agreement allows two central banks to exchange local currencies when needed, helping support trade, ensure liquidity and strengthen financial stability.

The agreement was signed by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain. The agreement aims to further strengthen existing cooperation between the two nations.

Khaled Mohamed Balama emphasised that the signing of the currency swap agreement reaffirms the UAE's and Bahrain's shared commitment to expanding financial and monetary cooperation, as well as strengthening trade and investment ties. He added that the agreement demonstrates both sides' dedication to promoting the use of local currencies and advancing cooperation frameworks between central banks, contributing to enhanced financial stability and the deepening of regional and international partnerships.

Khalid Humaidan stated that the agreement reflects the strength and depth of the longstanding ties between the leaderships of the Kingdom of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship. He added that it will further enhance cooperation between the two central banks and advance regional financial integration, emphasising that the agreement is expected to stimulate economic growth and reinforce financial stability in both countries.

Trade Arabia