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.
20/05/2007: Kuwaiti Dinar Redenominated
The Kuwaiti Dinar underwent a redenomination, with the introduction of new banknotes and removal of three zeros from the currency.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
20/03/2003: US Invasion of Iraq
The United States and its allies invaded Iraq, leading to a period of uncertainty and affecting the value of the Kuwaiti Dinar.
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.
25/03/1991: Kuwait Liberated
Coalition forces led by the United States liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, restoring stability to the country and its currency.
02/08/1990: Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War and causing a significant decline in the value of the Kuwaiti Dinar.
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.
16/09/1980: Iraq-Iran War Begins
The Iraq-Iran War started, leading to economic instability in the region and affecting the value of the Kuwaiti Dinar.
20/10/1975: Kuwait Dinar Pegged to Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
Kuwait pegged its currency to a basket of international currencies known as Special Drawing Rights (SDR) instead of the US Dollar.
02/01/1961: Kuwaiti Dinar Introduced
The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) was officially introduced as the currency of Kuwait, replacing the Gulf Rupee.
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.