08/04/2020: COVID-19 impact on currency circulation
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, circulation of nakfa banknotes decreased as people relied more on digital transactions.
25/02/2019: Introduction of new nakfa banknotes
Eritrea introduced new banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 nakfa.
30/10/2018: Currency devaluation
Eritrea devalued the nakfa by 14%, reducing its official exchange rate to 1 USD = 15 ERN.
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.
22/01/2015: Dollarization policy imposed
Eritrea imposed a dollarization policy, making the US dollar the predominant currency for most transactions.
14/11/2005: Currency redenomination
The Eritrean nakfa underwent a redenomination where old nakfa notes were replaced with new nakfa notes in a ratio of 1:1,000.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
08/11/1997: Introduction of the Eritrean nakfa
The Eritrean nakfa was introduced as the official currency of Eritrea, replacing the Ethiopian birr.
08/11/1997: Currency exchange rate fixed
The Eritrean nakfa was fixed at an exchange rate of 1 USD = 10 ERN.
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.
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.