Saudi Arabia issues its first polymer 5-riyal banknote

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has touted the new banknote as part of a 'pioneering shift in currency printing' for the kingdom.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab Staff

04 October, 2020

The new polymer banknote will go into circulation on Monday [Screenshot]

Saudi Arabia has issued its first polymer banknote, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) announced on Sunday.

SAMA said the new five-riyal note marks a step towards the kingdom developing a new national currency.

A video released by SAMA on Twitter described the move as a "pioneering shift in currency printing" for the kingdom.

Made from Saudi petrochemicals, the new note contains "security technologies" and has been touted by SAMA as "safe and more environmentally friendly".

The new issue is also dirt-resistant and able to withstand moisture and changes in temperature.

Images released by SAMA indicate that the new note displays pictures of Saudi monarch King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter.

The note also displays a decagram motif also used in the kingdom's ambitious SaudiVision 2030 economic development drive.

The polymer five-riyal note will go into circulation on Monday, with existing five-riyal notes remaining legal tender.

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