RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman received the first number of all categories of the new banknotes and coins here at Al-Yamamah Palace on Monday.
The new series of the currency, which marks the era of King Salman, was delivered to the king by Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) Gov. Ahmed Alkholifey and SAMA Deputy Gov. Abdulaziz Al-Freih.
SAMA will officially launch the sixth issue of the banknotes and coins of the Saudi riyal on Tuesday, bearing the motto “Confidence and Security,” to mark the successful era of King Salman.
“SAMA is pleased to announce that it will reveal the designs of the sixth issue of national banknotes and coins for the era of King Salman on Tuesday,” said a SAMA statement on Monday.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif received the second set of all categories of the sixth issue and a copy of all categories of coins. They were delivered by the same team led by Al-Jadaan.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received the third set of all categories of the sixth issue and a copy of all categories of coins.
The new currency will be launched for the public at a ceremony on Tuesday. The new banknotes will be more secure to reduce forgeries. The issuance of the new bills and coins is important as they carry the strongest security.
Syed Ahmed Ziauddin, a senior banker, who heads the financial institutions and public sector group at Bank Al-Jazirah, told Arab News: “It is very good news; we need new currency notes and coins to mark the era of the new king. This is a cash-based society.”
Ibrahim Al-Qayid, a Saudi businessman, welcomed the move, saying he is “happy to know that SAMA will soon put in circulation new bank notes with enlarged identification features.”
Al-Qayid, however, said he has no idea about the size, color, front or rear of the new bills. “I will be more than happy to see the photo of the king on the new currency —banknotes as well as on coins,” said Al-Qayid.
He said his elders still recall the interesting history and the evolution of Saudi currency.
The first Saudi currency, bearing the new name of the country, appeared in 1935, when the silver riyal, the half riyal and the quarter riyal, were put in circulation. Some of these old currencies are today preserved in SAMA’s museum.
New currency marks King Salman’s era
New currency marks King Salman’s era
Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah
RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.
He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.
They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.
Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”
He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.
The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.
According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.
The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.
Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.
The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.
