20/05/2018: SAMA grants licenses for full-fledged digital banks
SAMA issued licenses to two banks for providing digital banking services, reflecting a shift towards digitalization in the financial sector.
21/12/2016: Saudi Arabia introduces the SAR 200 note
A new 200 riyal banknote was introduced, featuring a portrait of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
13/07/2015: Greek debt bailout agreement
A third bailout deal was reached between Greece and its creditors, avoiding a potential Greek exit from the Eurozone.
02/05/2010: Greek debt crisis
Greece's financial crisis threatened the stability of the Eurozone, requiring massive bailout packages to prevent a default.
15/10/2008: Global financial crisis
The Euro faced significant economic challenges following the collapse of Lehman Brothers, leading to a recession in many Eurozone countries.
01/05/2004: Eurozone expansion
10 more countries joined the Eurozone, bringing the total number of participating countries to 24.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
01/01/2002: Euro banknotes and coins
Physical banknotes and coins in Euro were introduced, replacing national currencies in 12 European countries.
01/01/1999: Introduction of the Euro
The Euro was officially introduced as an electronic currency for banking and financial transactions.
27/05/1997: Introduction of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency new design series
SAMA introduced a new series of banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
07/02/1992: The Maastricht Treaty
The treaty was signed, which officially established the European Union and laid the groundwork for the creation of the Euro.
30/06/1986: Saudi riyal pegged to the US dollar at 3.75 SAR per USD
Saudi Arabia pegged its currency to the USD, ensuring stability and ease of trade with international partners.
01/03/1952: Introduction of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA)
SAMA was established as the central bank of Saudi Arabia, responsible for issuing and managing the Saudi riyal.
23/09/1932: Establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Saudi riyal currency was introduced following the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz Al Saud.