The Saudi riyal's exchange rate against the Egyptian pound saw noticeable fluctuations at the close of trading on Thursday, December 18, 2025, according to the latest trading screens at public and private banks operating in the Egyptian banking sector. This slight variation is within the context of supply and demand dynamics that govern the foreign exchange market, amid close monitoring by investors and citizens, particularly those wishing to travel or make financial transfers.
The economic context and the importance of the exchange rate
The Saudi riyal exchange rate is of paramount importance to the Egyptian economy, given the strong trade and investment ties between Cairo and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is Egypt's largest trading partner in the Arab region and also hosts the largest Egyptian expatriate community. Remittances from Egyptians working in the Kingdom play a pivotal role in supporting Egypt's foreign currency reserves, making any fluctuation in the exchange rate a matter of widespread concern.
Historically, the exchange market in Egypt has witnessed radical transformations over the past years, with the Central Bank of Egypt moving to a flexible exchange rate policy subject to market mechanisms, which has contributed to eliminating the parallel market and unifying the exchange rate, as reflected in the relative stability and natural price movements recorded today.
Details of the Saudi Riyal exchange rate in Egyptian banks today
The exchange rates for the Saudi Riyal at the close of trading on Thursday, December 18, 2025, were as follows:
- The Central Bank of Egypt: The price recorded 12.67 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.71 Egyptian pounds for selling, reflecting the average official price in the market.
- National Bank of Egypt: The exchange rate reached 12.63 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.70 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Bank of Egypt: The riyal recorded the same levels as the National Bank of Egypt at 12.63 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.70 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB): The price reached 12.65 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.70 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Bank of Alexandria: Recorded 12.66 pounds for buying, and 12.70 pounds for selling.
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank: One of the highest buying prices was recorded at 12.68 pounds, while the selling price was 12.71 pounds.
- Suez Canal Bank: The price reached 12.63 pounds for buying and 12.72 pounds for selling.
- Faisal Islamic Bank: Recorded 12.64 pounds for buying, and 12.69 pounds for selling.
- National Bank of Kuwait: Recorded 12.59 pounds for buying, and 12.72 pounds for selling.
- Qatar National Bank (QNB): Recorded 12.59 Egyptian pounds for buying and 12.70 Egyptian pounds for selling.
Expected effects of exchange rate stability
The relative stability of the Saudi riyal against the Egyptian pound facilitates trade between the two countries, as many Egyptian importers rely on the Saudi currency to cover letters of credit for goods imported from the Kingdom. This stability also positively impacts the costs of Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages, since services provided to pilgrims are priced based on the prevailing exchange rate, thus giving tourism companies and citizens better financial planning capabilities.
