Quick answer: The Saudi riyal is pegged at 3.75 to the US dollar, so 1,000 SAR = 266.67 USD; the UAE dirham is pegged at 3.6725.
How it's calculated
Rates are mid-market reference rates, updated once a day, loaded in your browser from ExchangeRate-API. The converter works out any pair through the US dollar: amount × (rate of the target ÷ rate of the source).
Five Gulf currencies have a fixed US-dollar peg set by their central banks: SAR 3.75, AED 3.6725, QAR 3.64, BHD 0.376, OMR 0.3845. The Kuwaiti dinar is pegged to an undisclosed basket, so its rate moves. If the daily rates can't load, the converter still works between pegged currencies.
For a transfer home, the rate you get is lower than the mid-market rate and there may be a fee. Type the quoted rate in "Your rate" to see exactly what arrives.
Worked examples
- 1,000 SAR to USD (peg 3.75): 1,000 ÷ 3.75 = 266.67 USD
- 1,000 AED to SAR (both pegged): 1,000 × 3.75 ÷ 3.6725 = 1,021.10 SAR
Gulf currency pegs to the US dollar
| Currency | Units per 1 USD |
|---|---|
| Saudi riyal (SAR) | 3.75 |
| UAE dirham (AED) | 3.6725 |
| Qatari riyal (QAR) | 3.64 |
| Bahraini dinar (BHD) | 0.376 |
| Omani rial (OMR) | 0.3845 |
| Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) | Basket peg (floats) |
Frequently asked questions
Where do the rates come from?
ExchangeRate-API's daily reference rates, loaded when you open the page. The date of the rate is shown under the result.
Why does my bank give a different rate?
Banks and exchange houses add a margin to the mid-market rate and may charge a fee. Enter their rate to compare offers.
Is the Saudi riyal fixed to the dollar?
Yes. SAMA has pegged the riyal at 3.75 per US dollar since 1986.
Which Gulf currencies are fixed to the dollar?
The Saudi riyal, UAE dirham, Qatari riyal, Bahraini dinar and Omani rial are pegged to the US dollar. The Kuwaiti dinar is tied to a basket of currencies.
Can I use the rate my bank gave me?
Yes. Enter it in the your rate field to see exactly what you'd receive and compare it with the market rate.
How do I compare money transfer services?
Compare the amount the other person receives after the rate and all fees. A zero-fee offer can still cost more if its rate is worse.