Saudi Arabia unveils official currency symbol for Riyal
Anjum Khan
For the first time, Saudi Arabia has introduced an official symbol for the Saudi riyal (﷼)—much like $ for the dollar and € for the euro.
To reinforce Saudi riyal’s identity, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has officially approved the currency’s new symbol, marking a major step in strengthening the Kingdom’s financial presence locally and globally.
Inspired by Arabic calligraphy, the symbol strengthens the riyal’s identity on the global stage, reinforcing its presence in financial and commercial transactions.
The rollout will happen gradually, integrating the symbol across banking, trade, and official communications.
Ayman bin Mohammed Alsayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), described this as a landmark moment that underscores the Kingdom’s growing influence in global financial systems and its standing among G20 economies. "This initiative is not just about a symbol; it’s about national pride, economic confidence, and reinforcing the riyal’s place on the world stage," he said, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
The newly designed currency symbol reflects the nation’s cultural heritage while meeting top technical standards. It will gradually be integrated into financial transactions, banking systems, and commercial platforms in coordination with relevant authorities.
Alsayari extended his gratitude to all parties involved in this milestone, including SAMA, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organisation (SASO) for their role in adopting the symbol.
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With this move, Saudi Arabia joins the ranks of nations whose currencies are instantly recognisable by their unique symbols, a step that further cements the riyal’s identity in the international financial landscape.
