Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Saudi Riyal (SAR) Banknotes

How to Identify Counterfeit Saudi Riyal (﷼) Currency Notes

If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, here is a small but important tip: watch out for fake riyals. It’s not a huge risk, but it’s still possible to end up with counterfeit riyals, especially if you’re exchanging cash in crowded markets or unfamiliar places. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot real Saudi riyals, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Key Security Features of Saudi Riyal Currency Notes

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is the sole entity responsible for issuing and regulating the national currency. In late 2016, SAMA introduced the "Sixth Issue" of Saudi Riyal banknotes. This series, having denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Riyals, is protected by a range of security features, like:

1. Watermarks:

Hold the note up to a light source to see the watermark. It should be clear and detailed, integrated within the paper, not printed on the surface.

2. Security Threads:

When held to light, the security thread should be visible as a continuous line (or windowed, depending on the denomination) with clear text.

3. Microtext:

If you have a magnifying glass, look for tiny, sharp text in designated areas.

4. Raised Printing (Intaglio):

Run your fingertip over the main portrait, large numerals, and other key design elements. You should feel raised ink, a characteristic of the intaglio printing process.

5. Optically Variable Ink (OVI) / SPARK:

Look for areas, typically large numerals or symbols, that change colour (e.g., from green to blue, or copper to green) as you tilt the note. SPARK features will also show a dynamic light effect, like a moving bar, synchronised with the colour change.

6. Motion Security Threads:

For notes with advanced windowed threads (e.g., SR 500, etc), tilt the note to see if the embedded images or patterns move or animate as described for that denomination.

7. Iridescent Stripe:

On the back of the note (usually for higher SR denominations), a fluorescent iridescent stripe displays the value numeral in shimmering, colour-shifting tones.

8. Three-Dimensional Security Stripe:

Check for a 3D security stripe band, usually appearing on four parts of the note.

9. UV Reaction:

Genuine banknote paper (and polymer) generally fluoresce under ultraviolet light.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit Saudi Riyal Currency by Denomination

Here’s a detailed description of the verifiable security features present in each denomination of the Sixth Issue of Saudi Riyal banknotes.

Denomination	Color	Security Threads	SPARK Ink	Iridescent Stripe	3D Security Stripe	UV Features
SR 5	Purple	1 (windowed thread)	“5” in SPARK ink with dynamic colour shift and motion effect	Not present	Vertical stripe on front shows emblem + “5” with motion effect	Glowing “5”, emblem, and shapes under UV on both sides
SR 10	Brown	1 (windowed thread)	“10” in SPARK ink with colour-shift and 3D motion	Not present	Vertical stripe with shifting emblem and “10” on tilting	Fluorescent numeral 10, emblem, and design shapes under UV
SR 20	Olive-green	1 (windowed thread)	“20” in SPARK ink; tilting reveals a flowing 3D effect	On the reverse, “20” shimmers in a fluorescent ornamental band	Stripe displays emblem and “20”; shifts on vertical tilting	Glowing patterns, numeral 20, and security shapes in multiple UV-reactive colours
SR 50	Green	1 (windowed thread)	“50” in SPARK ink with dynamic colour and motion effects	On the reverse, “50” appears in shimmering colours when tilted	3D stripe shows national emblem and “50” with tilt-based visibility changes	“50” and ornamental motifs appear glowing under UV light
SR 100	Red	2 (1 windowed + 1 solid thread)	"100” in SPARK ink with movement and colour shift	On the back, ornamental band with shimmering “100” visible when tilted	3D stripe with emblem and “100”; visible motion effect vertically	Under UV, “100” numeral, design elements, and blocks glow clearly
SR 200	Grey	2 (1 windowed + 1 solid thread)	“200” printed in SPARK ink; shifts colour and shows 3D movement	Back contains ornamental shimmer stripe with “200” revealed on tilt	Dynamic vertical stripe with “200” and emblem, shifting visibility	UV light shows glowing shapes, numeral 200, and emblem on both sides
SR 500	Blue	2 (1 windowed + 1 solid thread)	“500” in SPARK ink inside ornamental design; 3D shapes move on tilt	On the reverse, a fluorescent band reveals “500” in shimmering tones	Advanced 3D stripe: four segments with emblem and “500”, disappearing and reappearing	Bright fluorescent numeral 500, shapes, and security patches under UV

1. SR 500 Note

General Description:

Colour: Blue
Front: Portrait of the founder, King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and a depiction of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah Al Mukarramah.
Back: A view of the Holy Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah Al Mukarramah.

Key Security Features:

Watermark: The watermark includes a portrait of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, an electrotype "500", the national emblem (two crossed swords with a palm tree), and diagonal bars (cornerstones) in the corners, all visible when held up to the light.
Three-Dimensional Security Stripe: This appears on four parts of the note, displaying the national emblem and the numeral "500" in 3D. Tilting the note top to bottom causes the emblem to disappear and the value to appear.
Special Inks Layer (Optically Variable Ink - OVI/SPARK): The note uses SPARK ink. An ornamental shape with the number "500" is printed in this ink. When the note is tilted horizontally, 3D shapes within the design appear to move vertically, creating a striking visual effect.
Security Threads (Windowed Motion Thread & Solid Thread): The SR 500 note includes two security threads. The first is a windowed motion thread that appears in segments on the note’s surface and reveals the numeral "500" and the national emblem. The second is a solid embedded thread that can be seen when held up to light, containing the demetalized text “SAMA500”.
Intaglio Printing: A major feature of the note’s design is the raised printing, known as intaglio. It gives the note a rough texture and is especially noticeable on the portrait, key texts, and decorative elements.
Iridescent Stripe: On the reverse side of the note, a fluorescent iridescent stripe is visible. When tilted horizontally, the stripe reflects light and displays the denomination “500” in shifting colours.
Micro Text: Tiny, precisely printed text appears across different areas of the note. The denomination "500" is repeated in patterns along decorative borders. The words "Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority" or its abbreviation "SAMA" are printed in small fonts within the design lines or backgrounds.
UV-Reactive Features (Fluorescent Shapes): When viewed under ultraviolet light, the SR 500 note reveals a series of fluorescent patterns and ornamental designs. These are found on both the front and back of the note and include glowing shapes, numerals, and security blocks.

2. SR 200 Note

General Description:

Colour: Grey
Front: Portrait of the founder, King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and the logo of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in a three-dimensional form.
Back: Image of 'Qasr Al-hukum' (Governance Palace) in Riyadh. This note was issued to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the launch of "Vision 2030".

Key Security Features:

Watermark: The watermark consists of a portrait of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, along with an electrotype “200” numeral and the national emblem of Saudi Arabia (two crossed swords and a palm tree). The watermark also features cornerstone bars or diagonal lines in the corners.
Three-Dimensional Security Stripe: This note features a 3D security stripe positioned vertically on the front side. It contains dynamic elements, including the national emblem and the denomination “200”. When the note is tilted vertically (top to bottom), the symbols appear to move and change visibility.
Security Thread (Motion Windowed Thread & Solid Thread): A motion windowed security thread featuring the numeral and the national emblem appears on the note surface. A solid embedded thread is also present, visible when held against light, carrying the demetalized text “SAMA200”.
Optically Variable Ink (SPARK): A special ornamental design on the note contains the numeral “200” printed in SPARK ink, a type of optically variable ink. When the note is tilted side to side, the ink shifts in colour and shows a flowing 3D effect.
Iridescent Stripe: It is present on the back, showing the denomination "200" within an ornamental design when the note is tilted.
Intaglio Printing: Intaglio printing on the SR 200 note is present over the portrait of King Abdulaziz, the large numerals “200,” Arabic and English text, ornamental borders, and tactile lines for the visually impaired. These areas feel raised and textured to the touch.
Microprinting: Typical microtext includes the repetition of the denomination “200”, the word “SAMA”, and decorative security lines. These can be found around the portrait, border designs, and numeric areas.
UV-Reactive Features: Under ultraviolet light, the SR 200 note reveals a range of fluorescent elements on both the front and back. These include glowing decorative shapes, the denomination “200”, and design features that are otherwise invisible in normal lighting.

3. SR 100 Note

General Description:

Colour: Red
Front: Portrait of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and a picture of the Green Dome of the Prophet's Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah.
Back: A view of The Prophet's Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah.

Key Security Features:

Watermark: This includes a portrait of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, an electrotype “100” numeral, the national emblem of Saudi Arabia (two crossed swords with a palm tree), and diagonal cornerstone bars in the corners.
Three-Dimensional Security Stripe: A 3D security stripe appears on the front side of the note. This vertical strip features the national emblem and the number “100”, which appear and disappear dynamically when the note is tilted vertically.
Special Ink (Optically Variable Ink - OVI/SPARK): An ornamental shape that contains the value "100" is printed with this ink. Tilting the note horizontally reveals 3D shapes moving from top to bottom and vice versa. The denomination is also printed with SPARK.
Iridescent Stripe: It is present on the back, showing the denomination "100" within an ornamental design when the note is tilted.
Intaglio Printing: This textured printing is present on the portrait of King Abdulaziz, the large “100” numerals, Arabic and English text, decorative borders, and tactile lines for the visually impaired.
Microprinting: Fine micro-lettering appears across different sections of the note. It typically includes repeated instances of the denomination “100,” the abbreviation “SAMA,” etc.
UV-Reactive Features: Under ultraviolet (UV) light, several fluorescent patterns appear on both the front and back of the note. These include glowing ornamental shapes, numerals, and security symbols that remain invisible in normal lighting.

4. SR 50 Note

General Description:

Colour: Green
Front: Portrait of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and a picture of the Al-Sakhra Dome Mosque (Dome of the Rock).
Back: A view of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds Al-Shareef (Jerusalem).

Key Security Features:

Watermark: The SR 50 note contains a multi-layered watermark that includes a portrait of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, an electrotype numeral “50”, the national emblem (two crossed swords with a palm tree), and diagonal cornerstone lines in the corners.
Three-Dimensional Security Stripe: Similar to the SR 500 and SR 100 notes, the SR 50 note contains a security stripe, showing the national emblem and "50" in 3D with dynamic effects upon tilting.
Special Ink (Optically Variable Ink - OVI/SPARK): An ornamental shape that contains the value "50" is printed with a special ink. Tilting the note horizontally reveals 3D shapes moving from top to bottom and vice versa. The denomination is also printed with SPARK.
Security Thread: A single motion windowed security thread featuring the numeral “50” and the national emblem is present on the note.
Intaglio Printing: The SR 50 note features raised intaglio printing that creates a distinct textured feel. This is noticeable on the portrait of King Abdulaziz, the large “50” numerals, Arabic and English texts, decorative borders, etc.
Iridescent Stripe: On the reverse side, the note has a fluorescent iridescent stripe that reveals the value “50” in shimmering colours when tilted horizontally.
Micro Text: The microtext often includes the denomination “50”, the abbreviation “SAMA”, and other design elements embedded in borders or background areas.
UV-Reactive Features (Fluorescent Shapes): Under ultraviolet (UV) light, the SR 50 note reveals fluorescent shapes and patterns on both the front and back. These glowing elements include denomination markings, decorative motifs, and parts of the national emblem.

5. SR 20 Note

General Description:

Colour: Purple and Olive Green
Front: Portrait of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, G20 Saudi Arabia Summit logo.
Back: Map of the world highlighting G20 countries, national emblem.

Key Security Features:

Watermark: The SR 20 note features a watermark that includes a portrait of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, an electrotype “20” numeral, the national emblem of Saudi Arabia (two crossed swords with a palm tree), and diagonal cornerstone lines in the corners.
Three-Dimensional Security Stripe: A 3D security stripe runs vertically on the front of the note. It displays the national emblem and the denomination “20”, which appear and disappear or shift when the note is tilted vertically.
Optically Variable Ink (SPARK/OVI): The denomination “20” is printed using SPARK ink, a type of optically variable ink. When the note is tilted side to side, the ink shows a colour-shifting and moving 3D effect within an ornamental shape.
Security Thread: A single motion windowed security thread featuring the numeral “20” and the national emblem is present on the note.
Intaglio Printing: It can be felt on the portrait of King Abdulaziz, the large numeral “20”, the Arabic and English texts, the decorative design elements, and the tactile bars along the edge.
Iridescent Stripe: A fluorescent iridescent stripe on the back of the note reflects the denomination “20” in shimmering tones when tilted horizontally.
Micro Text: It includes repeated “20” numerals, “SAMA”, and other design elements embedded within borders or background patterns.
UV-Reactive Features: Under ultraviolet light, the SR 20 note displays fluorescent elements in different colours on both the front and back. These include glowing ornamental designs, numerals, and parts of the national emblem etc.

6. SR 10 Note

General Description:

Colour: Brown
Front: Portrait of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and a picture of the Palace of the late King Abdulaziz in Almoraba Area, Riyadh.
Back: A view of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Financial District in Riyadh.

Key Security Features:

Watermark: The watermark includes the portrait of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, electrotype numeral, the national emblem, and "Cornerstones".
Three-Dimensional Security Stripe: A 3D security stripe runs vertically on the front side of the note. It shows the denomination “10” and the national emblem, which appear to move or change visibility when the note is tilted vertically.
Optically Variable Ink (SPARK/OVI): The SR 10 note features the numeral “10” printed in SPARK ink. This ink shifts colour and reveals moving 3D effects within an ornamental shape when the note is tilted side to side.
Security Thread: It contains one windowed motion thread that runs through the note. This thread shows both the electrotype “10” numeral and the national emblem.
Intaglio Printing: This printing is applied to the portrait of King Abdulaziz, the large “10” numerals, Arabic and English texts, decorative motifs, and tactile lines for the visually impaired.
Micro Text: Tiny, highly detailed micro-lettering is printed in various areas of the note. It typically includes repeated instances of “SAMA”, the denomination “10”, etc.
UV-Reactive Features (Fluorescent Shapes): Under ultraviolet (UV) light, the SR 10 note displays several fluorescent security elements. These include glowing decorative shapes, the “10” numeral, and parts of the national emblem on both sides of the note.

7. SR 5 Note

General Description:

Colour: Purple
Front: Portrait of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and a view of Shaybah Oil Field in the Empty Quarter.
Back: A view of wildflowers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Key Security Features:

Watermark: When held to light, the SR 5 note reveals a watermark of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the electrotype numeral “5”, and cornerstone bars in the corners.
Security Thread: A single metallic thread is embedded in the banknote containing SAMA's acronym and the denomination "5".
Special SPARK Ink: The large “5” numeral on the front is printed using SPARK optically variable ink. When the note is tilted side to side, the colour shifts and dynamic 3D effects become visible.
Intaglio Printing: Raised printing is present on the portrait, denomination, text, and tactile bars for the visually impaired.
Micro Text: Extremely fine micro-lettering is printed in selected areas such as borders and design patterns, only visible under magnification.
UV-Reactive Features (Fluorescent Shapes): Under UV light, the note reveals fluorescent patterns and shapes on both sides, including parts of the denomination and emblem, visible only under ultraviolet light.