The Saudi riyal exchange rate against the Egyptian pound remained remarkably stable at the start of trading on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in both public and private banks operating in the Egyptian banking sector. This stability reflects the balance in the foreign exchange market, amid close monitoring of Arab and foreign currency exchange rates by investors and citizens.
The importance of exchange rate stability and its economic impact
The Saudi riyal holds a special place in the basket of foreign currencies within the Egyptian market, given the strong economic and trade ties between Cairo and Riyadh. Remittances from Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia are a major source of foreign currency for the Egyptian economy, making exchange rate stability a vital factor in bolstering confidence in the local currency and ensuring the flow of these remittances through legitimate channels.
Furthermore, the exchange rate of the Saudi riyal directly impacts the costs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, as well as trade volume, given that Saudi Arabia is a strategic trading partner for Egypt. Experts indicate that the stability of the exchange rate at these levels reflects the success of the Central Bank's monetary policies in regulating the foreign exchange market and meeting the demand for the currency.
Saudi Riyal exchange rate today in Egyptian banks
Exchange rates on Thursday showed slight variations between banks, with the following figures displayed on the screens:
- The Central Bank of Egypt: The average price recorded was 12.69 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.73 Egyptian pounds for selling, to be the guiding standard for the market.
- National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr: The price in the two largest government banks stabilized at 12.66 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.73 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank: The highest buying price was recorded at 12.70 pounds, while the selling price was recorded at 12.73 pounds.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB): The price was 12.67 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.72 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Bank of Alexandria: Recorded 12.68 pounds for buying, and 12.72 pounds for selling.
- Suez Canal Bank: The price reached 12.65 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.74 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Faisal Islamic Bank: Recorded 12.65 pounds for buying, and 12.72 pounds for selling.
- National Bank of Kuwait: Recorded 12.61 pounds for buying, and 12.74 pounds for selling.
- Qatar National Bank (QNB): The price was 12.62 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.73 Egyptian pounds for selling.
Future outlook for the currency market
Economic analysts expect this relative stability to continue in the coming period, supported by inflows of foreign direct investment and joint economic cooperation between Egypt and the Gulf states. This stability is a positive indicator that helps companies and importers plan their finances without fear of sudden fluctuations in exchange rates.
