Qatari Riyal flag

Qatari Riyal

ريال قطري

Currency Code

QAR

ISO 634

Symbol

QAR

Native: ر.ق

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

QA

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: riyal

Symbol: ر.ق

Minor Unit

Name: dirham

Symbol:

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

ر.ق1ر.ق5ر.ق10ر.ق50ر.ق100ر.ق500

Coins

Frequently Used

25 dirham50 dirham

Rarely Used

1 dirham5 dirham10 dirham

Plural Forms

English Plural

Qatari riyals

Native Plural

ريالات قطرية

Overview

The Qatari Riyal is the currency of Qatar, pegged to the US dollar since 2001. It serves one of the world's wealthiest countries per capita, with an economy built on natural gas and oil exports, and has gained prominence hosting major international events.

Economy

  • Qatar is a member of GCC, Arab League, OIC, OPEC.
  • Main industries include: Liquefied natural gas, Crude oil production and refining, Ammonia, Fertilizer, Petrochemicals, Steel reinforcing bars, Cement, Commercial ship repair.
  • Qatar is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are food, machinery, equipment, chemicals, transport equipment, clothing, foodstuffs.
  • Major exports include liquefied natural gas, petroleum products, fertilizers, steel.
  • GDP: $236.8 billion (2023 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $82,887 (2023 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 0.1% (2019 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 4.9% (2023 est.).
  • Main trading partners: Japan, South Korea, India, China, Singapore, United Kingdom.
  • Trade agreements: GCC Common Market, Various bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: Qatar and Dubai riyal, Indian rupee, Gulf rupee.
  • The riyal was introduced in 1973, replacing the Qatar and Dubai riyal. It was initially pegged to the IMF's Special Drawing Rights before switching to a US dollar peg.
  • 1973: QAR introduced, replacing Qatar and Dubai riyal
  • 1975: Pegged to IMF Special Drawing Rights
  • 2001: Pegged to USD at 3.64:1
  • 2017: GCC diplomatic crisis
  • 2022: FIFA World Cup hosting
  • Exchange rate peg: USD (2001-present) at 3.64 QAR = 1 USD.
  • Exchange rate peg: IMF SDR (1975-2001).
  • Currently pegged to USD at 3.64 QAR = 1 USD.

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: QAR
  • Symbols: QAR/ر.ق
  • Currency Subunits: 100 dirhams
  • Central Bank: Qatar Central Bank
  • Monetary Policy: Currency board system maintaining USD peg. Focus on price stability and supporting the diversification of the hydrocarbon-dependent economy.
  • Bills: 1 riyal, 5 riyals, 10 riyals, 50 riyals, 100 riyals, 500 riyals
  • Coins: 1 dirham, 5 dirhams, 10 dirhams, 25 dirhams, 50 dirhams
  • USD Exchange Rate: 3.64
  • Pegged To: USD at 3.64 QAR = 1 USD
  • Capital: Doha
  • Population: 2,508,182 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 11,586 km²
  • Languages: Arabic (official), English
  • Time Zones: UTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time)
  • Government Type: Absolute monarchy
  • Head of Government: Emir (head of state and government)
  • Independence: September 3, 1971 (from United Kingdom)
  • Ethnic Groups: Non-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6%
  • Religions: Muslim 65.2%, Christian 13.8%, Hindu 15.9%, Buddhist 3.8%, Folk religion 0.1%, Jewish 0.1%, Other 1.1%
  • Literacy Rate: 93.5% (2017 est.)
  • Transport: Hamad International Airport, modern road networks, Doha Metro, major ports
  • Communications: Advanced telecommunications, 100% internet penetration, comprehensive 5G coverage
  • Energy: Natural gas 99%, Oil 1%, developing solar energy projects
  • Countries Using This Currency: Qatar
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Qatar Central Bank (qcb.gov.qa), Economic Data: Planning and Statistics Authority Qatar, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Qatar Customs Authority, Demographic Data: Planning and Statistics Authority Qatar, Geographic Data: Qatar Meteorology Department, Historical Data: Qatar Central Bank archives
  • Last Updated: 2025