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How did the Saudi Riyal Symbol initiative begin?

Work on the Saudi Riyal symbol initiative began following a royal directive to form a committee composed of relevant entities that include the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Media, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.


What phases did the project go through?

The project went through multiple phases, during which the Saudi Central Bank ensured that the symbol was designed according to the highest technical standards.

The first phase focused on ensuring that the symbol represents the national identity of the Kingdom. The symbol was designed using the Arabic word for "Riyal" to reflect pride in our culture and language. The second phase involved technical evaluations, development, and reviews to ensure ease of application and use in financial and commercial systems. The third and final phase included official launch and the announcement of the national Riyal symbol by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.


What is the importance of having a symbol for the national currency?

Having a symbol for the riyal currency strengthens the Kingdom's financial and economic identity regionally and globally. It further highlights the Saudi riyal as a credible and well-recognized currency in the international financial system. The symbol also streamlines the representation of the riyal in financial transactions and commercial dealings.


In light of the continued progress towards achieving the objectives of Vision 2030, what role does the symbol present?

The launch of the Saudi riyal symbol, at a time when the Kingdom is advancing towards achieving the ambitious targets of Vision 2030, reinforces the Kingdom's integration into the global financial systems and its emergence as an advanced financial hub. It reflects its diverse economy and its dynamic position among the G20 countries.


What is the importance of launching a symbol for the national currency?

- Reinforcing pride in the national identity and cultural belonging.

- Strengthening confidence in the Saudi riyal and facilitating its integration into the global market.

- Demonstrating Saudi Arabia's position within the global economies and G20 countries.


What are the technical design specifications of the symbol?

- Consideration of visual, structural, and geometric standards.

- Incorporation of historical and cultural symbolism.

- Ease of application and usability.

- Clear distinguishability as a symbol o​f the Saudi riyal.

- Alignment with global currency symbols.


What are the cultural and historical references behind the Saudi riyal symbol?

The design of the Saudi riyal symbol was inspired by Arabic calligraphy, which represents the Arabic language – one of the

jewels of human civilization.

The symbol carries the name “Riyal” extending the historical legacy of the Saudi currency, first issued in 1346 AH during the

reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. This period marked the foundation for the development in various fields,

particularly in finance and economics, by issuing a unified national currency for the kingdom.


Where will the Saudi riyal symbol be used?

Currency symbols are designed to be simple and visually distinctive. They are used across various fields, including but not limited to:

- Documents and reports.

- Banking services.

- Trading platforms.

- Economic reports and contracts.

- Invoices and receipts.

- Applications and e-commerce stores.

- Price tags on products.


Will the symbol be implemented immediately or through multiple stages?

The symbol will be implemented immediately, while reflection in financial and commercial transactions and various

applications will be done gradually and in coordination with relevant entities.


Are there guidelines for using the Saudi riyal symbol?

SAMA issued a guide that includes eight rules defining the use of the symbol. Among them are:

- A space is required between the symbol and the numeral.

- The symbol should be positioned to the left of the numeral.

- The geometric structure of the symbol should be maintained.

The guidelines can be accessed by visiting the (link).