11/02/2020: Currency Devaluation
The Yemeni Rial witnessed another devaluation as the Central Bank of Yemen devalued the currency by 25% to ease foreign currency shortages and stabilize the economy.
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.
13/10/2016: Central Bank Relocation
The internationally recognized government of Yemen relocated the Central Bank from Sana'a to Aden, causing further fragmentation in the value and availability of the Yemeni Rial.
16/09/2015: Houthi Takeover and Currency Instability
Following the Houthi rebel's takeover of the capital Sana'a, the Yemeni Rial faced further instability, resulting in hyperinflation and a depreciation of its value.
27/09/2009: Government Decision
The Yemeni government announced a 9.3% devaluation of the rial as a measure to cope with the economic crisis and declining oil revenues.
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.
04/05/1994: Civil War and Currency Devaluation
During the Yemeni Civil War, the Yemeni Rial experienced a significant devaluation, with the exchange rate reaching around 200 rials for 1 US dollar.
22/05/1990: Yemeni Unification
The Yemeni Rial became the official currency of the newly unified country of Yemen after the merger of the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) and People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen).
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.
26/08/1948: Currency Introduction
The Yemeni Rial (YER) was first introduced as the official currency of North Yemen, replacing the Yemeni Riyal at a rate of 1 rial = 1,000 Riyals.
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.