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.
26/01/2016: New N$100 and N$200 Banknotes Introduced
Namibia introduced new banknotes of N$100 and N$200 denominations to address the need for higher-value currency in the growing economy.
30/08/2012: Introduction of N$10 Commemorative Banknote
Namibia introduced a commemorative banknote of N$10 to celebrate the centenary of the country's struggle for independence.
27/10/2008: Financial Crisis Impact
Due to the global financial crisis, the Namibian dollar experienced a depreciation against major currencies, affecting the country's economy.
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: Replacement of Old Banknotes
Old banknotes of the Namibian dollar were demonetized, and new banknotes became the only valid currency.
01/06/1999: Introduction of New Banknotes and Coins
New series of banknotes and coins were introduced in Namibia, featuring indigenous wildlife and cultural symbols.
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.
30/08/1993: Dollarization of Namibia
Namibia adopted the Namibian dollar as its sole legal tender, replacing the South African rand as the official currency.
21/03/1990: Independence of Namibia
Namibia gained independence from South Africa, leading to the introduction of the Namibian dollar as the official currency of the newly established country.
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.