The Saudi riyal saw a noticeable decline against the Egyptian pound at the close of trading on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in most public and private banks operating in the Egyptian banking sector. This movement is part of the normal daily fluctuations in the foreign exchange market based on supply and demand mechanisms.
The importance of the Saudi Riyal exchange rate on the Egyptian street
The Saudi riyal exchange rate is of paramount importance to a large segment of the Egyptian population, as it is the second most traded and sought-after currency after the US dollar. This is due to several economic and social factors, most notably the presence of a large Egyptian community working in Saudi Arabia, who regularly send remittances to their families, making the exchange rate a direct factor influencing the purchasing power of these transfers.
Furthermore, demand for the riyal is linked to the Umrah and Hajj seasons, when it increases to cover travel and accommodation expenses in the holy sites. The relative stability or slight decline in the exchange rate reflects the availability of foreign currency liquidity within Egyptian banks and the banking sector's ability to meet the needs of importers and travelers without significant inflationary pressures.
Details of the Saudi Riyal exchange rate in Egyptian banks today
The exchange rate updates at the close of trading on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, were as follows:
- The Central Bank of Egypt: The price of the riyal recorded 12.62 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.66 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- National Bank of Egypt: The price reached 12.58 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.65 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Bank of Egypt: The riyal recorded 12.57 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.65 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Bank of Alexandria: The price reached 12.61 pounds for buying and 12.65 pounds for selling.
- Suez Canal Bank: Recorded 12.57 pounds for buying, and 12.65 pounds for selling.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB): The price was 12.60 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.65 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Faisal Islamic Bank: Recorded 12.60 pounds for buying, and 12.66 pounds for selling.
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank: Recorded the highest buying price at 12.67 pounds, and 12.70 pounds for selling.
- National Bank of Kuwait: Recorded 12.49 pounds for buying, and 12.77 pounds for selling.
- Cairo Bank: Recorded 12.51 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.59 Egyptian pounds for selling.
Economic experts point out that the slight variation in prices between banks is due to the margin of movement allowed for each bank according to the levels of liquidity available to it, which enhances the competitiveness of the Egyptian banking market.
