Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has unveiled the fifth series of Qatar currency notes in December 2020. The new Qatari Riyal banknotes have come into effect from December 18, 2020.
As per the latest announcement, all denomination of Qatar currency notes will have new designs and added security features. QCB has also introduced a 200 Qatari Riyal banknote for the first time.
Exchanging Old Qatar Currency Notes
24 FEBRUARY 2021 UPDATE: Qatar Central Bank has announced that it has been decided to extend the circulation of old banknotes until the 1st of July 2021.
- After July 2021, the banknotes of the fourth series will become illegal and indemnified currency.
- However, the holder will be entitled to recover the value of the remaining notes from the Central Bank within a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of the withdrawal decision.
The Qatar Central Bank stressed the importance of preserving the national currency and not tampering with it, whether by writing, perforation or otherwise, indicating that these acts are criminalized
12 FEBRUARY 2021 UPDATE: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Commercial Bank Qatar (CBQ) has announced that it is now possible to deposit all new denominations of Qatari Riyals in the banks’ deposit machines. The banks were required to upgrade their machines for the new banknotes which have high-security features and new designs.
New Qatar Currency Notes: Design Features
The front designs of the new banknotes share a common theme based on traditional geometric patterns, the State of Qatar flag, Qatari flora (Dreama) and an ornate gate representing the historical Qatari architecture.
The back designs comprise themes reflecting Qatari tradition, Islamic history, culture, flora and fauna and development of education, sport and the economy.
QR1 shows Traditional Dhow (Bateel) and the Oyster and Pearl Monument.
QR5 shows Traditional desert scene comprising fauna (Arab horses, Camel, Oryxes), flora (Al Qataf) and ‘hair tent’ (buryuut hajar).
QR10 shows Lusail Stadium, Torch Tower (Aspire Zone), Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation)
QR 50 shows Qatar Central Bank building and Ministry of Finance building.
QR 100 shows picture of Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.
QR 200 shows pictures of Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar National Museum and Museum of Islamic Art.
QR500 shows Ras Laffan LNG refinery and LNG canter ship.
New Qatar Currency Notes: Security Features
The new bank will have 64 state-of-the-art security specifications.
1) Each security thread shows the value of the denomination.
2) The numerals and horizontal line prints are raised for the benefit of blind and visually impaired.
3) When you lift the banknote up to the light to see the incomplete shapes on the front and back of the note combine to form the banknote’s value.
4) Lift the banknote up to the light to see the watermark of the State of Qatar Crest and denomination numerals.
5) Tilt the banknote and see changes to the appearance of the holgram.
6) Tilt the banknote and see the changes to the appearance of the security thread.
7) Tilt the banknote to see the Dreama flower on the gate changing colour and a bright circle moving within the flower.
Qatar Coins in Circulation
Qatar has coins of various denominations in circulation with its riyal currency notes. The coins commonly seen in circulation are of 50 and 25 dirhams (100 dirhams make a riyal).
Images Courtesy: Qatar Central Bank
Legal Warning: Currency images shown here are for awareness purpose only and should not be printed or misused. Printing currency images is a crime as per Qatari Law.
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FAQ on Qatar Currency Notes
How long is the validity of Qatar’s old currency notes?
Qatar Central Bank has announced that circulation of old banknotes will be valid until the 1st of July 2021.
Where can I exchange old currency notes?
Old currency notes can be used at commercial outlets (shops, restaurants etc.) or banks until 1st of July 2021.
What should I do for exchanging old currency after July 2021?
After the 1st of July 2021, holders of old banknotes will be entitled to recover the value from Qatar Central Bank within a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of the withdrawal decision.
Hi I’m Parry from Australia. I’m interested in buying some 2020 new release banknotes as I like to collect them. Can you please explain me how can I buy them. I’m not able to see anything on Central Bank of Qatar website. Please explain me the process. Thanks heaps
Hi
Currently i am in India and is their possibily to exchange the old QAR currency in India..Now no money exchange banks accepting old currencies here..awaiting your feedback
Thanks
Hi Sheji, the only solution for you is to exchange them via someone who is travelling to Qatar. Old currencies would be in circulation in Qatar until July 2021.
Hello! tried to change the old currency as you metion in your notice here for two days in three different local banks only to find out that they don’t change this local banks they keep on saying you should use the money just but how can someone be forced to use there money when on websites they listing that its possible to get the new currency??
There some people who keep there money out of the banks how can that kind of person be helped? If even the bank you have account in they don’t change the old one to the new one?? Whats the reason of publishing that someone can exchange in every local bank???that was really a shock to me the way they treat young people who need help when you vist this qatar banks here many people who keep there money here and there out there going to stuck with the old currency thank you.
Hi Soul, Sorry to hear that you are facing difficulty. As per the announcement by Qatar Central Bank, local banks are supposed to accept old currency until March 2021 and we are sure that is how the retail shops are exchanging old currency. In the worst-case scenario, you can exchange directly from the Qatar Central Bank. Good luck.
Hi ,I have 1000 Qatar Riyal,I try to change all the exchange center like lakhoos,lulu & modern exchange they are not accepted ,even I visited at your branch bharka QNB ,they also not accept,please suggest me in this ,I’m at Oman
Hi Srikanth, Nowadays most exchange houses outside Qatar are not accepting old currency. You will have to send the currency with someone travelling to Qatar.