The Saudi riyal exchange rate against the Egyptian pound remained remarkably stable at the start of trading on Thursday, January 22, 2026, across various banks operating within the Egyptian banking sector. This stability reflects the balance in the foreign exchange market, with the average exchange rate recording around 12.59 Egyptian pounds, sending reassuring signals to both importers and consumers.
The importance of exchange rate stability and its economic impact
The Saudi riyal exchange rate is considered one of the most important economic indicators for a wide segment of the Egyptian population, given the strong trade relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as the large Egyptian community working in the Kingdom. Remittances from Egyptians abroad in Saudi riyals are a primary source of foreign currency in Egypt. Furthermore, a stable exchange rate directly contributes to the stability of prices for imported goods and the costs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, thus reducing inflationary pressures in the local market.
The price of the riyal in government banks and the central bank
At the Central Bank of Egypt, the primary source for exchange rates, the Saudi riyal was trading at 12.62 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.66 for selling. Meanwhile, at the two largest state-owned banks, the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr, the rate remained stable at 12.58 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.65 for selling, the same rate offered by Banque du Caire. This reflects a unified pricing policy among major banks aimed at ensuring market stability.
Riyal exchange rates in private and investment banks
Among private banks, Commercial International Bank (CIB) recorded a buying price of EGP 12.60 and a selling price of EGP 12.65. At Bank of Alexandria, the price was EGP 12.61 for buying and EGP 12.65 for selling. Meanwhile, Suez Canal Bank recorded EGP 12.58 for buying and EGP 12.67 for selling, showing very slight differences between banks that do not significantly affect trading activity.
The price of the Saudi Riyal in Islamic banks and the National Bank of Kuwait
In the Islamic banking sector, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank recorded a buying price of 12.63 Egyptian pounds and a selling price of 12.66 Egyptian pounds, while Faisal Islamic Bank recorded a buying price of 12.58 Egyptian pounds and a selling price of 12.64 Egyptian pounds. It is worth noting that the National Bank of Kuwait recorded a slight difference, with a buying price of 12.49 Egyptian pounds and a selling price of 12.77 Egyptian pounds.
This stability comes as part of ongoing efforts to control monetary policy and provide the necessary foreign currency to meet market needs, which enhances confidence in the local economy and encourages attracting more foreign direct investment.
