The exchange rate of the Saudi riyal against the Egyptian pound saw noticeable fluctuations at the start of trading on Thursday, November 27, 2025, across various public and private banks operating in Egypt. This daily volatility reflects the dynamic nature of the foreign exchange market, which is linked to several factors including supply and demand for the currency, the monetary policies pursued by the Central Bank of Egypt, and the flow of funds into and out of the country.
This fluctuation in the exchange rate occurs within a broader economic context, as the relationship between the Saudi riyal and the Egyptian pound is of strategic importance to both countries. This importance stems from strong trade and investment ties, and particularly from remittances from Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia, which represent one of Egypt's most significant sources of foreign currency. Therefore, any change in the exchange rate directly impacts the value of these remittances when they reach their families in Egypt.
Historical context and importance of the exchange rate
Historically, the Egyptian pound has undergone various exchange rate policies. After years of pegging or tightly managing the currency, Egypt moved towards a fully liberalized exchange rate in March 2014, allowing the pound's value to be determined by free market mechanisms. This shift led to increased daily fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, including the Saudi riyal, which explains the persistent discrepancies seen on bank screens. The stability of this exchange rate is a crucial indicator of macroeconomic stability and its attractiveness to foreign investment, particularly from the Gulf region.
Local and regional impact
Domestically, millions of Egyptians closely monitor the riyal's exchange rate, not only those working abroad but also citizens planning to perform Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, as the cost of their trips is directly linked to the riyal's value. The rate also impacts the cost of Egyptian imports from Saudi Arabia, which include petroleum products and other goods, ultimately affecting consumer prices in the Egyptian market. Regionally, a stable exchange rate boosts confidence among Saudi investors and supports trade and tourism between the two countries, contributing to deeper economic integration between the region's two largest economies.
List of Saudi Riyal exchange rates in major Egyptian banks today, Thursday
- The Central Bank of Egypt: The buying price was recorded at 12.70 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 Egyptian pounds.
- National Bank of Egypt: The buying price was recorded at 12.67 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 Egyptian pounds.
- Bank of Egypt: The buying price was recorded at 12.67 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 Egyptian pounds.
- Bank of Alexandria: The buying price was recorded at 12.70 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 Egyptian pounds.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB): The buying price was recorded at 12.69 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 Egyptian pounds.
- Suez Canal Bank: The buying price was recorded at 12.66 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.75 Egyptian pounds.
- Faisal Islamic Bank: The purchase price was recorded at 12.66 pounds, and the selling price at 12.75 pounds.
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank: The buying price was recorded at 12.72 pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 pounds.
- National Bank of Kuwait: The buying price was recorded at 12.62 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.75 Egyptian pounds.
- Qatar National Bank (QNB): The buying price was recorded at 12.63 Egyptian pounds, and the selling price at 12.74 Egyptian pounds.
