The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has unveiled eight new rules governing the use of the Saudi riyal (SAR) symbol, following official approval from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
According to SAMA guidelines, the symbol must be positioned to the left of numerical values with a space between them.
The rules specify that the symbol must maintain proper proportions, align with the surrounding text direction, and contrast with background colours for visibility.
SAMA releases eight rules for new Saudi Riyal symbol use
The design incorporates elements of Arabic calligraphy, connecting to Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
إطلاق #رمز_الريال_السعودي..
— SAMA | البنك المركزي السعودي (@SAMA_GOV) February 20, 2025
رمز لأصالتنا لاقتصادنا ولمستقبلنا#البنك_المركزي_السعودي pic.twitter.com/TLjKJppyHP
The term ‘Riyal’ traces back to 1346 AH during King Abdulaziz’s reign, marking the introduction of the Kingdom’s unified currency.
A royal committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Media, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organisation developed the symbol through multiple phases.
The process involved ensuring national identity representation and technical compatibility with modern financial systems.
The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to establish the Kingdom as a global economic leader.
Implementation of the symbol will begin immediately, with full integration across financial and commercial platforms occurring gradually.
The new symbol represents an effort to enhance the currency’s recognition while boosting confidence in the Saudi riyal domestically and internationally.
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