16/03/2021: New 5 Rial Polymer Banknote Introduced
A new polymer banknote with a denomination of 5 rials was introduced, enhancing durability and security features of the currency.
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.
15/01/2003: New Omani Rial Banknotes Issued
New series of Omani rial banknotes were introduced, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs.
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.
12/06/1994: Smaller Denomination Coins Issued
Small denomination coins, including 5, 10, 25, and 50 baisa coins, were issued in order to facilitate everyday transactions.
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.
17/03/1986: 200 Baisa Coin Introduced
A new 200 baisa coin was introduced, becoming the highest denomination coin in circulation at that time.
11/11/1975: 1/8 Rial Copper-Nickel Coin Introduced
A new 1/8 rial coin made of copper-nickel was introduced, representing a fractional value of the rial currency.
02/03/1973: Rial Oman Pegged to US Dollar
The Omani rial was officially pegged to the United States dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 OMR = 2.895 USD.
27/07/1970: Rial Oman is Introduced
The Omani rial was introduced, replacing the Gulf rupee at a rate of 1 rial = 2.6008 rupees.
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.