17/10/2019: Protests against economic crisis
Mass protests erupted in Lebanon due to economic crisis, leading to further depreciation of the Lebanese pound.
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.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
03/11/1997: Revaluation of the Lebanese pound
The Lebanese pound was revalued at a rate of 1,500 LBP = 1 USD, ending the fixed exchange rate with the US dollar.
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.
01/01/1986: Introduction of the parallel exchange market
The parallel exchange market was introduced in Lebanon, leading to a diverging exchange rate between the official and unofficial markets.
01/01/1976: Lebanese Civil War
The Lebanese Civil War began, causing significant economic instability and devaluation of the Lebanese pound.
01/01/1961: Pegged to the US dollar
The Lebanese pound was pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of 1 LBP = 1.5 USD.
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.
27/11/1941: Devaluation of the Lebanese pound
The Lebanese pound was devalued by 41.9% following the breakup of the French franc.
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.
01/10/1920: Lebanese pound introduced
The Lebanese pound was introduced at a fixed exchange rate of 1 pound = 20 French francs during the French mandate period.