Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud approved on Thursday the Saudi riyal symbol in a historic move that will reinforce the Saudi currency’s identity, according to a press release from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
SAMA Governor Ayman Al-Sayari expressed his deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for initiating the Saudi riyal symbol, SPA reported.
The #SaudiRiyalSymbol.. A new chapter in the evolution of our national currency.https://t.co/vsFhpQjf4m#SAMA pic.twitter.com/8fOiKQo4Jw
— SAMA | البنك المركزي السعودي (@SAMA_GOV) February 20, 2025
Decision enhances financial identity
Al-Sayari highlighted that this decision strengthens Saudi Arabia’s financial identity on local, regional, and international fronts. He pointed out that the implementation of the new symbol will be gradual for financial and commercial transactions, in coordination with all relevant entities.
Promoting national identity
Moreover, Al-Sayari mentioned that this initiative is aimed at promoting national identity and a sense of cultural belonging, emphasizing the significance of the national currency and showcasing the Kingdom among major global economies and G20 members. This initiative also reflects the growing importance of the national currency within the global financial ecosystem.
The governor recognized the teamwork that has facilitated this milestone, extending his thanks to all entities that contributed to the development of the symbol, led by SAMA. This includes the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Media, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
Symbol embodies cultural heritage
According to the release, the Saudi riyal symbol, developed to the highest technical standards, encapsulates the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, featuring the name of the national currency “Riyal” in a design inspired by Arabic calligraphy. “The symbol will streamline the representation of the Saudi riyal in local, regional, and international contexts, making it suitable for use in referring to the Saudi riyal in all financial and commercial transactions,” the release stated.
As Saudi Arabia progresses with its Vision 2030 agenda, the introduction of the symbol reinforces the significance of the Kingdom’s financial system and its growing role both regionally and internationally.
