What Is the Qatari Riyal (QAR)?
Let me explain the Qatari Riyal directly: QAR is the currency code for the Qatari riyal, which serves as the official currency of Qatar, a country along the Arabian Peninsula's coast. You should know it's subdivided into 100 dirhams, and we abbreviate it as QR in English, though it's often called rial too. The Qatar Central Bank issues all notes and coins, focusing on monetary stability and regulating the currency.
Key Takeaways on the Qatari Riyal
Here's what you need to grasp: The Qatari riyal is Qatar's official currency, with the code QAR and abbreviation QR. It's pegged to the USD at 1 USD to 3.64 QAR, fluctuating only between 3.6385 and 3.6415. The Qatar Central Bank manages issuance and maintains this peg. While the peg holds steady domestically and in most markets, it dropped to 3.81 in foreign markets in 2017 amid diplomatic tensions over terrorism allegations. Denominations include bills of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals, and coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 dirhams.
Understanding the Qatari Riyal (QAR)
To understand the Qatari riyal, consider its history: It replaced the Qatar and Dubai riyal in 1973 when Dubai joined the UAE, leading Qatar to issue its own currency. Before that, the Qatar and Dubai riyal started in 1966, replacing the Indian rupee after India's devaluation. The riyal has been pegged to the USD at 3.64 QAR per USD since 2001, formalized by Royal Decree, staying within 3.6385 to 3.6415. This peg helps Qatar's economy, which relies heavily on oil and natural gas priced in USD, making up most of its GDP. As for physical forms, bills come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals, while coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 dirhams.
Currency Fluctuation
You need to know about fluctuations: In 2017, the riyal's value shifted offshore to 3.81 after countries stopped dealing with Qatari banks, causing liquidity issues. Domestically, the official 3.64 peg held. This stemmed from a diplomatic crisis where nations cut ties, blocked routes, and accused Qatar of supporting terrorism. By January 2021, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Bahrain signed an agreement to end the rift and blockade.
Currency Exchange
If you're traveling to Qatar, the peg means 1 USD equals 3.64 QAR officially, but you won't get that rate for cash. Banks and exchanges add 3% to 5% fees, so you might get 3.46 QAR per USD—about 5% less. They profit from this spread. Say you convert $1,000: You'd get QR3,460. If you have QR1,500 left and convert back, the QAR/USD rate is 0.274725 (1 divided by 3.64), expecting $412.09. But with fees, you get around 0.261 per QAR, yielding $391.50—again, about 5% less. Also, note Qatar's 2021 GDP was $179.6 billion as of August 14, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qatari currency pegged to another? Yes, to the USD at $1 to QR3.64. What was Qatar's currency before the riyal? It was the Dubai riyal, preceded by the Saudi riyal and then the Gulf rupee. Which countries use riyals? Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, and Yemen do.
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