MMA launches currency symbol for Maldivian Rufiyaa

Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has launched the official currency symbol for Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

The symbol, which introduces an additional horizontal stroke to the Dhivehi letter "Raa", was unveiled by Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Aminath Shauna in a special ceremony at the MMA headquarters on Sunday.

MMA had launched a competition to design the currency symbol in January last year, offering a MVR 20,000 cash prize for the winning design. The competition attracted over 70 proposals, which were reviewed by a special judge’s panel.

The winning symbol was designed by Hassan Shujau.

MMA states the symbol will be used in all future re-prints of MVR notes.

Shujau said he designed the symbol with Maldives’ individuality in mind, while adhering to currency symbols used by other countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, MMA Governor Ali Hashim said the authority hoped to facilitate and promote widespread use of the symbol.

“I believe it is very important that the symbol be made usable digitally – i.e. on font packages and other digital platforms so that it can be used in price quotes in shops, daily news or what have you. Let us all try to catalyze this process by using it in all our communications as much as possible,” he said.

Hashim said he was eager to see how the Maldivian society embrace the symbol and make it part of their daily lives.

“I also hope that one day, the symbol receives international recognition, with the creation of a Unicode specific to the rufiyaa symbol. I hope that all relevant government agencies can work on this matter, collectively,” he said.

Hashim expressed gratitude for the hard work and effort by everyone involved to launch an official currency symbol for MVR.

“Thank you for your role in this part of the Maldivian history,” he said.