The Egyptian exchange market witnessed mixed movements in the price of the Saudi riyal against the Egyptian pound at the start of trading on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This slight variation between increases, decreases, and stability in various banks operating in the Egyptian banking sector reflects the current supply and demand for the Saudi currency.
The importance of the Saudi Riyal exchange rate in the Egyptian economy
The Saudi riyal occupies a pivotal position in the basket of foreign currencies within the Egyptian market, given the strong economic and trade ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Remittances from Egyptians working in the Kingdom are a major source of foreign currency for the Egyptian economy, making any fluctuation in the exchange rate a matter of great interest to a wide segment of citizens and investors alike. Furthermore, demand for the riyal increases seasonally for religious tourism (Hajj and Umrah), directly impacting market dynamics.
Details of the Saudi Riyal exchange rate in Egyptian banks today
Below is the complete and updated list of Saudi Riyal exchange rates (buying and selling) in the most prominent Egyptian banks for today:
- The Central Bank of Egypt: The average exchange rate recorded 12.63 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.66 Egyptian pounds for selling, reflecting the market's indicative rate.
- National Bank of Egypt: The price stabilized at 12.58 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.66 Egyptian pounds for selling, which is the approved price in the largest government banks.
- Bank of Egypt: In line with the National Bank, Bank of Egypt recorded 12.58 pounds for buying and 12.66 pounds for selling.
- Cairo Bank: The price reached 12.51 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.63 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Bank of Alexandria: The exchange rate recorded 12.62 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.66 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB): The price reached 12.61 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.66 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Faisal Islamic Bank: It witnessed a slight increase to record 12.59 pounds for buying, and 12.65 pounds for selling.
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank: It recorded a notable decrease to reach 12.64 pounds for buying and 12.67 pounds for selling, which is still among the highest buying prices in the market.
- National Bank of Kuwait: It recorded 12.50 pounds for buying, while the highest selling price was recorded at 12.78 pounds.
- Suez Canal Bank: The price has declined to record 12.58 pounds for buying and 12.66 pounds for selling.
Expected economic impacts
Financial experts affirm that relative stability or slight fluctuations in exchange rates are a healthy indicator compared to sharp volatility. This stability enables importers to accurately calculate their costs, especially since Saudi Arabia is a major trading partner for Egypt. Furthermore, monitoring these rates daily is essential for families who rely on remittances to meet their living expenses, as the exchange rate directly impacts the purchasing power of these remittances when converted to local currency.
