From Dinars To Dirhams: Here Are 10 Currencies From MENA Region You Need To Know

by Deeplata Garde
From Dinars To Dirhams: Here Are 10 Currencies From MENA Region You Need To Know

You must have heard many wise monks saying that money doesn’t buy you happiness.  But money is definitely an important source. A strong financial hold in life is dreamt of by everyone. We all like to experience luxury. The US Dollar is usually considered the strongest currency. But the currencies from the MENA Region hold more significant values comparatively. Let’s check out a list of currencies from the MENA Region and how you can exchange them at foreign exchange centres.

Currencies Of MENA Region

There are a total of 21 countries in the MENA Zone.  Here’s a look at the top 10 currencies from the MENA Region which includes Dinars, Dirhams, Riyals and more.

1. Kuwaiti Dinar

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The most high-valued currency in MENA holds the name of the country it belongs to, Kuwait. The symbol for this currency is KWD. The Kuwaiti Dinar is further divided into 1000 fils. If you compare KWD with dollars, 1KWD equals US$3.25(approximately). This currency came into existence in 1961 and replaced the Gulf rupee.

2. Bahrani Dinar

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

Bahrani Dinar which uses the initials BHD comes second in the region list. The Bahrain Dinar similar to Kuwaiti is divided into 1000 fills. Its dollar comparison is 1 BHD equals US$ 2.65(approximately).

3. Omani Riyal

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

Introduced in 1972, the Omani Riyal gains the place at the third position on the rank table. One of the top 3 currencies, Omani Riyal is divided into 1000 baisa. Considered one of the powerful currencies, this Riyal is denoted by OMR. The power of the Omani Riyal compared to the US dollar is 1 OMR equals US$2.60(approximately).

4. Jordanian Dinar

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

Jordan uses the currency named Jordanian Dinar. The dinar was introduced in the year 1950 and since then has been divided into 100 qirsh. The ones curious to know the dinar code can denote it as JOD. Jordan is the only official country to use this currency. 1 Jordanian dinar when converted to US Dollars gives us US $1.41(approximately).

5. Tunisian Dinar

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The northmost country of Tunisia uses the currency Tunisian dinar. The country uses French as their main language even when it falls in the African region. The Tunisian dinar was officially launched in the year 1960 and has been given the code TSN. The currency conversion comes to approx 1 Tunisian dinar equals 0.33 USD.

Also Read: 7 Banned Items To Check Before Departing For UAE

6. Israeli New Shekel

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The currency of Israel is the New Israeli shekel, previously referred to as the Israeli shekel. In September 1985, the old Israeli shekel was replaced by the new one, known as the NIS. 1 New Israeli Shekel equals $0.28(approximately) in US dollars in this comparison.

7. Qatari Riyal

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The nation of Qatar uses this currency. One Qatari Riyal can be split into a change of 100 dirhams. The code to denote Qatar Riyal is QAR and it was launched in the year 1973 after the country denied further use of Dubai Dirhams and Saudi riyals. The conversion rate of 1 Qatari riyal is approximately US$0.27(approximately).

8. Saudi Riyal

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia uses a currency called Saudi Riyal. They denote this currency as SAR. It is split into 100 halalas or halalah in Arabic. The currency has a fixed exchange rate that is tied to the US dollar. Upon conversion, 1 SAR will be equivalent to around $0.27(approximately).

9. Moroccan Dirham

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The official unit of exchange in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham. 1960 saw the formal release of this currency. 100 santimat are split into one Moroccan dirham. And the exchange rate from one Moroccan dirham to the US dollar is around $0.10(approximately).

10. Egyptian Pound

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Wikipedia

The national currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound. It is divisible into 1,000 milliemes, ersh, or 100 piastres. The currency was formally debuted in 1916 and is identified by the code EGP. There are 0.032 US dollars(approximately) in 1 Egyptian Pound.

Foreign Currency Exchange Centers For MENA Region

MENA Region
Pic Creds: Canva Stock Images

Visiting any of these MENA Region countries from the United States or any other countries? Want to convert the money into local currency? One can always check designated exchange counters at the airports to convert their money.  Many countries also have provided the facility of Money exchange ATMS.  You can always use online Forex services to exchange currency.

With this detailed information on the currencies of the MENA region, converting currencies should be easier.

All the exchange values were taken on July 13th 2023

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images