Iran will open its digital real CBCC pilot program to the public this month.

Official rollout of Digital Real's pilot program begins in Kish Island. The public rollout of CBCC's pilot program aims to test the efficiency of transactions, including payment security. Success in the pilot program could lead to a nationwide rollout of the digital rial, revolutionizing Iranian payments.

Iran's ambitious project to introduce the central bank's digital currency (CBDC), the digital rial, is about to enter a critical phase after the Central Bank of Iran announced that it will open its pilot program to the public.

The central bank's move follows successful pilot phases between 2021 and 2023 (between 1400 and 1401 AH) and successful preliminary and limited trials between 2023-2024 (between 1402 and 1403 AH).

The Digital Real pilot program is open to the public.

From June 21, the first day of Tir month of solar Hijri calendar, Digital Riyal is set to launch the pilot program in Kish Island. This pilot phase marks a major milestone as it transitions from controlled trials to a wider public phase, allowing customers of the bank's network and tourists in the designated geographic area to use digital riyal for business transactions.

The pilot program aims to demonstrate the functionality and efficiency of digital riyal in real-world scenarios, providing a seamless alternative to traditional banking transactions and payment methods.

Users will have the convenience of conducting transactions with digital wallets without the need for physical cash or traditional bank cards. Transactions are expected to be processed faster, enhancing overall payment security and operational transparency.

Moreover, the digital rial, which the central bank began considering in 2018, is set to strengthen Iran's digital economy by developing new payment solutions tailored to the country's needs. It aligns with broader national objectives to strengthen the resilience of financial infrastructure and promote digital technologies across various sectors of the economy.

Once the pilot program ends, the CBI will evaluate the results of the pilot program and a successful outcome will pave the way for expanding the reach of the digital riyal beyond Kish Island, which could change how Iranians conduct daily transactions in the digital age.