04/06/2020: Exchange rate stabilization
Efforts were made to stabilize the exchange rate of the Djiboutian franc to reduce inflation and encourage economic growth.
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.
01/09/2013: Replacement of coins with bi-metallic coins
Coins of lower denominations of the Djiboutian franc were replaced with bi-metallic coins.
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: Introduction of new banknotes
New banknotes of the Djiboutian franc were introduced with enhanced security features.
15/09/1997: Second devaluation
The Djiboutian franc was devalued by 33% as a result of economic instability and high inflation.
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.
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.
08/05/1977: First devaluation
The Djiboutian franc was devalued by 50% due to economic difficulties faced by the newly independent country.
27/06/1973: Independence from France
Djibouti gained independence from France and the Djiboutian franc became the national currency.
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.
01/01/1949: Introduction of the Djiboutian franc
The Djiboutian franc was introduced as the official currency of French Somaliland, replacing the French franc at a 1:1 exchange rate.
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.