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🇸🇦
SAMA · Currency Hub

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Pegged to USD at 3.75 since 1986. World's #1 Pakistan remittance source currency.

1 SAR =
USD
Live mid-market rate
📅 Updated: 5 Sept 2026
🔒
USD peg rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
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Oil reserves
16% of world total
💸
KSA remittances
USD 35B+ sent annually
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SAMA reserves
USD 460B+ forex reserves
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Expat workers
38% of total population
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Saudi GDP (2024)
USD 1.1T (Vision 2030)

🇸🇦 About the Saudi Riyal (SAR)

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) has been pegged to the US Dollar at 1 USD = 3.75 since 1986, making it one of the world's longest-standing currency pegs. Saudi Arabia's position as the world's largest oil exporter (16% of global reserves) and SAMA's USD 460+ billion in foreign reserves make this peg extraordinarily credible and durable.

Like the UAE Dirham, SAR movements against non-USD currencies are entirely driven by USD. SAR/INR = USD/INR ÷ 3.75. SAR/PKR = USD/PKR ÷ 3.75. The SAR peg eliminates exchange rate risk for Saudi Arabia's USD-denominated oil trade and provides stability for the 38% expat workforce.

Saudi Arabia is Pakistan's single largest source of remittances, contributing approximately 35% of Pakistan's USD 27+ billion annual total. The 2.7 million Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia send home an estimated USD 9.5 billion annually. Similarly, India receives USD 12+ billion from the 2.5 million Indians in Saudi Arabia, making Saudi the world's 2nd largest India remittance source.

Saudi Vision 2030 is transforming the Saudi economy — from oil-dependent to a diversified, tourism and investment-driven economy. Mega-projects like NEOM, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya are attracting global investment and FDI. While these don't directly affect the SAR peg, they strengthen Saudi Arabia's long-term economic fundamentals.

Issued By
Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA)
Rate Policy
Fixed peg to USD at 3
Historical High
Pegged — fixed to USD since 1986 (1986)
Historical Low
N/A (pegged currency) (1986)

💱 Convert SAR To Other Currencies

Live mid-market rates — click any pair for the full converter with conversion table and analysis.

💱 Convert Other Currencies To SAR

⚙️ What Drives the Saudi Riyal?

Key economic factors that move the SAR exchange rate — monitored by traders, investors and expats.

SAR/USD Peg (Fixed 3.75)
SAR/non-USD rates are entirely driven by USD — SAR/INR = USD/INR ÷ 3.75.
OPEC+ Oil Production Policy
Oil output decisions affect Saudi revenue but not the SAR/USD peg directly.
Saudi Vision 2030 Investment
Non-oil diversification reduces SAR vulnerability to oil price cycles long-term.
US Federal Reserve Policy
SAMA mirrors Fed rate decisions to maintain the peg, affecting SAR deposit rates.
Pakistan/India Remittance Demand
High SAR→South Asia volumes create structural demand. Eid/Hajj period spikes.
Petrodollar Recycling
Oil revenues invested globally create dollar demand supporting peg stability.

📊 SAR Exchange Rate Forecasts

📰 SAR Currency Articles & Analysis

📊 Popular SAR Forecasts

Most-read SAR exchange rate outlooks — updated regularly

View All SAR Forecasts →

🕒 Recently Updated — SAR Pages

Converter pages with latest market data and analysis

✈️ Travel Tips — SAR

In Saudi Arabia, SAR cash is widely needed for traditional markets (souks) and smaller vendors. Major hotels, malls, and international chains accept credit cards. Airport exchanges in Riyadh (KAIA) and Jeddah offer reasonable rates. Currency exchange in Al-Batha area (Riyadh) is competitive.

💸 Remittance Tips — SAR

For SAR remittances, Al Rajhi Bank Exchange remains the gold standard in Saudi Arabia — branches everywhere, competitive rates, same-day delivery. STC Pay works well for digital transfers. For amounts over SAR 5,000, compare Al Rajhi vs Wise before deciding — Wise's 0.5% fee often beats local exchange margins.

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SAR — Frequently Asked Questions

Why is SAR pegged to USD?
SAR has been pegged to USD since 1986 for the same strategic reasons as AED: (1) Oil is priced globally in USD; (2) Saudi Arabia needs exchange rate stability for oil revenue predictability; (3) The peg attracts foreign investment; (4) SAMA's massive reserves make the peg unbreakable by market forces. The peg has survived multiple oil price crashes intact.
Can Saudi Arabia devalue the Riyal?
A SAR devaluation is possible but considered very unlikely. SAMA has USD 460B+ in reserves — roughly 2-3× annual GDP. A devaluation would be seen as a sign of economic weakness, undermining investor confidence in Vision 2030. Saudi leaders have consistently reaffirmed commitment to the peg.
What is the best way to send money from Saudi Arabia?
Top SAR remittance services: Al Rajhi Bank Exchange (competitive, widespread), STC Pay (good for smaller amounts), Wise (transparent pricing), and Western Union (convenient but costlier). For India-specific transfers, SBI Saudi Arabia and ICICI offer good NRE account rates. For Pakistan, Al Rajhi and ACE Money Transfer are strongest.
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