The Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED) announced today the launch of Dirhami, a financial literacy program during a press conference attended by representatives from various public and private institutions in addition to members of the media. The program aims to increase financial awareness among the citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi.

In line with the overall aims of ADCED and of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which include promoting financial growth and development in Abu Dhabi, “Dirhami” aims to educate the public on basic financial concepts including budgeting, saving and spending. The campaign is also expected to contribute to increasing awareness of best practices and sound financial behavior.

The topics covered by “Dirhami” will range from the very basic and simple to the more complex. The program will provide information regarding principles of investing in stocks, bonds or funds, controlling debt, managing ones finances in a business or a personal setting, as well as focusing on the importance of incorporating financial literacy within the educational system.

The program targets all the different segments and age groups starting with children to retirees. Addressing the needs of each demographic, “Dirhami” provides knowledge, information and advice on issues relevant to each group specifically. The goal is to supply financial information in a simple, straightforward and interactive manner through the program’s website, dirhami.ae, also launched today.

“We at ADCED believe that the foundation for a healthy economy in the UAE is the presence of a high level of financial literacy among our residents and citizens. We have created “Dirhami” to provide our residents with the tools and information necessary to aid them in making sound personal financial decisions and better managing their money” H.E Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Director General of ADCED said.

“The importance of having a financially literate society has been noticed around the world, which led many government and private entities to launch such campaigns aiming at educating the general public on various financial issues, such as: MoneySense in Singapore, Sorted in New Zealand, and Understanding Money in Australia. ADCED has joined global efforts in the path of increasing financial literacy in Abu Dhabi to achieve growth for the city and as a result, the UAE as well” he added.

“Dirhami”, which is the first program of its kind in the GCC, was developed following research that showed that there was a gap in financial knowledge and sound financial behavior among people in Abu Dhabi. It was concluded that a program like Dirhami would be beneficial in developing a financially healthy community among citizens and residents.

 

For more information, visit www.dirhami.ae