What You Need to Know About the New Qatar Banknote Designs and Symbols

What You Need to Know About the New Qatar Banknote Designs and Symbols

Today, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) unveiled the fifth edition of Qatari Riyal banknotes with improved designs and security features. The new notes will come into circulation, just in time for Qatar National Day on 18th of December, 2020.

While denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 got a facelift, a new 200 denomination currency note has also been introduced to bridge the gap between the 100 riyals and 500 riyal banknotes.

The new banknotes in the fifth edition, where the flag, symbol of Qatari sovereignty, was emphasized on all currencies.

Qatar residents and citizens will have three (3) months of time to change their old notes from any bank in Qatar. After that the old notes can be changed from QCB.

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Did you know the latest designs of the Qatar currency are inspired to some traditional symbols?

Find them out here:

Modern Banknote Design Guides

1 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

 The Bateel bearing, the shell and the pearl

EXISTING

The Qatar Central Bank started issuing these 1 Qatari Riyal banknotes in 2003. 

The one Qatari Riyal banknote features three birds of bird species native to Qatar. On the Arabic numeral side is the coat of arms of Qatar with two crossed swords, a dhow boat and palm trees.

They are currently still in circulation. However, it is important to note that: Old banknotes can be exchanged through local banks in three (3) months and after that from Qatar central bank. Current banknotes will be withdrawn within 90 days from the date of issue.

 

5 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

Traditional desert scene comprising fauna (Arab horses, Camel, Oryxes), flora (Al Qataf) and 'hair tent (buryuut hajar)'

The back designs comprise themes reflecting Qatari tradition, Islamic history, culture, flora and fauna and development of education, sport and the economy.

EXISTING

The Qatar Central Bank started issuing these 5 Qatari Riyal banknotes in 2003. 

This green-colored banknote of Five Riyals from the 4th issue features the National Museum of Qatar in Doha and Qatari fauna: a camel and four Arabian oryxes. The Qataria coat of arms is pictured twice on the side with Arabic lettering.

They are currently still in circulation. However, it is important to note that: Old banknotes can be exchanged through local banks in three (3) months and after that from Qatar central bank. Current banknotes will be withdrawn within 90 days from the date of issue.

 

10 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

Lusail Stadium, Torch Tower (Aspire Zone), Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation)

EXISTING

The Qatar Central Bank started issuing these 10 Qatari Riyal banknotes in 2003.

The banknote of ten Qatari Riyals has an image of a traditional Arabian sailing boat ‘dhow’ and the sand dunes at Khor Al Udaid beach. The orange coloured QR10 note has the coat of arms of Qatar shown included twice on the side with the Arabic lettering.

They are currently still in circulation. However, it is important to note that: Old banknotes can be exchanged through local banks in three (3) months and after that from Qatar central bank. Current banknotes will be withdrawn within 90 days from the date of issue.

 

 50 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

Qatar Central Bank building and Ministry of Finance building

EXISTING

The Qatar Central Bank started issuing these 50 Qatari Riyal banknotes in 2008.

Qatar’s 50 riyals banknote has an image of he Central Bank building and the Pearl Oyster monument in Doha on the English language side. The Arabic language side features dhow boats and the Qatari coat of arms. The QR50 bill from the Fourth Issue has a holographic security thread as one of its security features.

They are currently still in circulation. However, it is important to note that: Old banknotes can be exchanged through local banks in three (3) months and after that from Qatar central bank. Current banknotes will be withdrawn within 90 days from the date of issue.

 

100 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

Abu Al Qubaib Mosque

The front designs of the new banknotes share a common theme based on traditional geometric patterns, the State of Qatar flag, Qatari flora (Dreama) and an orante gate representing the historical Qatari architecture.

EXISTING

The Qatar Central Bank started issuing these 100 Qatari Riyal banknotes in 2007. 

The 100 Qatari Riyals banknote from the 4th series can be recognised by its transparent foil window on which is printed the coat of arms of Qatar, featuring palm trees, crossed swords and a dhow boat. On the back side of the QR100 bill is an image of Al Shaqab equestrian centre, known for the Arabian horse breed.

They are currently still in circulation. However, it is important to note that: Old banknotes can be exchanged through local banks in three (3) months and after that from Qatar central bank. Current banknotes will be withdrawn within 90 days from the date of issue.

 

200 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani Palace, Qatar National Museum and Museum of Islamic Art

NOTE: The QR200 banknote has been introduced today in Qatar for the first time.

 

500 Qatari Riyal Denomination

NEW

Liquefied gas refinery in Ras Laffan Industrial Area and a liquefied gas tanker

EXISTING

The Qatar Central Bank started issuing these 500 Qatari Riyal banknotes in 2007.

The blue-grey coloured QR500 bill from the fourth series shows a falcon’s head and Qatar Royal Palace in Doha. The 4th issue added a number of improved security features to the banknotes, such as the see-through foil window on which Qatar’s coat of arms is printed.

They are currently still in circulation. However, it is important to note that: Old banknotes can be exchanged through local banks in three (3) months and after that from Qatar central bank. Current banknotes will be withdrawn within 90 days from the date of issue.

 

New Banknotes Highlights:

• The numerals and horizontal line prints are raised for the benefit of blind and visually impaired.

• When you lift the banknote up to the light to see the incomplete shapes on the front and back of the note combine to form the banknote’s value.

• Lift the banknote up to the light to see the watermark of the State of Qatar Crest and denomination numerals.

• Each security thread shows the value of the denomination

• Tilt the banknote and you can see changes to the appearance of the hologram, changes to the appearance of the security thread and the Dreama flower on the gate changing colour and a bright circle moving within the flower.

Other Updates:

• The new series contains more than 62 security features and many other specifications. 

• Starting December 18, new notes worth QR8 billion will be in circulation. 

• By the end of 2020, new notes worth QR16 billion will be in circulation.

• By the end of January 2021, up to QR25 billion needs notes will be in circulation.