New Banknotes of Saudi Arabia

On May 20,2007,Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency(SAMA), regarding article (4) of the Saudi Currency Law, issued under the Royal Decree No. (6) and dated 1/7/1379H announced the fifth series of the Saudi Riyal.But before we go to the banknotes let us know more about the man on the note.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Custodian of the two holy Mosques and Prime Minister and Prime Minister
(خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبد الله بن عبد العزيز آل سعود)

King Abdullah succeeded to the throne on 1-August-2005 following the death of his half-brother, King Fahd. As Crown Prince, he had previously acted as De facto regent and thus ruler of Saudi Arabia since January 1 1996 due to the incapacitation of Fahd by a major stroke. He was formally enthroned on August 3,2005, but he inherited the title of King immediately after the death of his half-brother

Here are some interesting facts on the King
Prime Minister
Commander of the Saudi National Guard
Chairman of the Supreme Economic Council
President of the High Council for Petroleum and Minerals
President of the King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue
Chairman of the Council of Civil Service and Head of the Military Service Council
A king with many positions
Estimated wealth-$30+ billion
Has over 30 wives during his lifetime,and has at least 15 sons and 20 daughters,I wonder how does he think of names to give them and how does he remember all of them and give equal love to all his children?

The king has been active in issues such as terrorism and is combating the threat.He is also a philanthropist,one of his generous actions include donating $50 million in cash and $10 million worth of relief materials for the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008 in China and $10 Billion to the endowment fund of The King Abdullah University of Science & Technology in May 2008.However he has been criticized for religious prosecution,the treatment of women and homosexuals in the Kingdom and alleged bribes involving arms deals with UK.

Now here are the old and new banknotes for your viewing pleasure

The old issue-1984-2007(King Fahd)4th seriesNew issue(5th series)

A truly rich king with a lot of money,a lot of wives,a lot of children and a lot of oil