28/07/2020: Ethereum 2.0 Testnet Launch
The Beacon Chain, the first phase of Ethereum 2.0, goes live on a public testnet, marking a significant step towards the transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
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.
20/07/2017: Ethereum Hard Forks: Byzantium
The Ethereum network undergoes a hard fork upgrade named Byzantium, implementing various improvements to enhance scalability, privacy, and security.
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.
17/06/2016: The DAO Hack
The Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), built on the Ethereum platform, suffers a major security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 3.6 million ETH tokens.
30/07/2015: Ethereum Mainnet Launched
The Ethereum mainnet is released, enabling developers around the world to build and deploy decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain.
30/07/2013: Ethereum Whitepaper Published
Vitalik Buterin publishes the Ethereum whitepaper, outlining a new blockchain platform designed to support decentralized applications and smart contracts.
03/01/2009: Bitcoin Genesis Block Created
The first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the Genesis Block, is mined by Satoshi Nakamoto, marking the birth of the Bitcoin network.
31/10/2008: Bitcoin Whitepaper Published
Satoshi Nakamoto releases a whitepaper titled 'Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,' introducing the concept of a decentralized digital 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.
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.