List of Currencies Used in Gulf Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consists of six oil-rich nations in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Each of these nations maintains a distinct national currency, playing a vital role in their economic identity, trade policies, and monetary stability. This article delves into the currencies used in these countries, their exchange policies, and their economic significance.

Gulf Countries and Their Currencies:

1. Understanding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

The GCC, formed in 1981, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union. One of its long-term goals has been economic integration, including proposals for a common Gulf currency (similar to the Euro). However, as of now, each member state still uses its own national currency.

2. Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Currency Overview

• Name: Saudi Riyal
• Code: SAR
• Subunit: 1 Riyal = 100 Halalas

The Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy. It is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed exchange rate of approximately 3.75 SAR to 1 USD.

Economic Significance

The peg to the dollar provides exchange rate stability, essential for an economy heavily dependent on oil exports. Saudi Arabia’s central bank, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), maintains this peg through careful monetary policy.

3. United Arab Emirates: The UAE Dirham (AED)

Currency Overview

• Name: UAE Dirham
• Code: AED
• Subunit: 1 Dirham = 100 Fils

Introduced in 1973, the UAE Dirham replaced the Qatar-Dubai Riyal. It is also pegged to the US Dollar at about 3.6725 AED to 1 USD.

Economic Role

The peg supports the UAE’s role as a major global business and financial hub, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The currency’s stability is crucial for international investment and tourism.

4. Kuwait: The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

Currency Overview

• Name: Kuwaiti Dinar
• Code: KWD
• Subunit: 1 Dinar = 1,000 Fils

The Kuwaiti Dinar is the strongest currency in the world in terms of exchange rate value against the US Dollar. As of recent rates, 1 KWD is worth over 3 USD.

Exchange Policy

Unlike other Gulf currencies, the Dinar is not pegged directly to the USD. Instead, it is pegged to a weighted basket of currencies, allowing more flexibility while maintaining stability.

5. Qatar: The Qatari Riyal (QAR)

Currency Overview

• Name: Qatari Riyal
• Code: QAR
• Subunit: 1 Riyal = 100 Dirhams

The Qatari Riyal has been pegged to the US Dollar since 2001 at a fixed rate of 3.64 QAR to 1 USD.

Resilience and Sovereignty

Despite regional blockades and political tensions, Qatar has maintained a stable currency through strong foreign reserves and economic diversification efforts.

6. Oman: The Omani Rial (OMR)

Currency Overview

• Name: Omani Rial
• Code: OMR
• Subunit: 1 Rial = 1,000 Baisa

The Omani Rial is among the highest-valued currencies globally, with 1 OMR ≈ 2.6 USD.

Monetary Stability

The currency is pegged to the US Dollar and managed by the Central Bank of Oman. The strong valuation reflects the country’s efforts to control inflation and maintain fiscal discipline.

7. Bahrain: The Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Currency Overview

• Name: Bahraini Dinar
• Code: BHD
• Subunit: 1 Dinar = 1,000 Fils

The Bahraini Dinar is also among the highest-valued currencies, with 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD.

Strategic Peg

Pegged at 0.376 BHD to 1 USD, Bahrain maintains its currency stability despite limited natural resources, relying instead on banking, finance, and tourism.

8. Currency Pegging and the US Dollar

A common feature among Gulf currencies is their peg to the US Dollar. This practice provides:

• Stability in foreign trade (especially oil, priced in USD)
• Lower inflation
• Investor confidence

However, it also limits monetary policy flexibility and can make economies vulnerable to shifts in US interest rates.

9. Future of a Common Gulf Currency

There has been discussion since the early 2000s about launching a common Gulf currency, similar to the Euro. While a Gulf Central Bank was proposed, political and economic differences—especially among Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman—have delayed this vision.