Quick Summary
Historical Trends Uncovered: A year-by-year breakdown of how the AED to INR exchange rate evolved from 2008 to 2024, highlighting major economic and geopolitical events behind the shifts.
What Moves the Rate?: Key factors like oil prices, remittances, trade relations, and economic stability explained in simple terms so readers understand why the rates change.
Why It Matters: Real-world implications for expats, travelers, traders, and businesses — helping readers make smarter money moves based on currency trends.
When it comes to currency exchange, the Saudi Riyal to Indian Rupee isn’t just a forex pair it’s a lifeline. For millions of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia, every Riyal earned means something back home. From remittances and savings to travel and trade, this exchange rate tells a powerful story.
So if you’ve ever wondered how the Saudi Riyal (SAR) has fared against the Indian Rupee (INR) over the years, and why it matters you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through the history, the numbers, and the real-world drivers behind SAR to INR.
Saudi Riyal to INR Historical Exchange Rate Overview (2008 to 2024)
Let’s rewind the clock and explore how the SAR to INR rate has moved over the years and what influenced those changes.
2008 to 2010: Global Crisis, Local Impact
The 2008 global recession didn’t spare anyone. Investors rushed to safer assets, the Indian economy slowed, and the rupee weakened. As a result, the SAR to INR rate inched upward. Saudi Arabia, still heavily reliant on oil, kept its economy afloat giving the Riyal some strength over the INR.
2011 to 2014: Stabilizing Economies
India was bouncing back with reforms and renewed investor interest. The rupee found some ground, though minor fluctuations continued. Saudi’s economy remained stable, and the SAR to INR rate stayed relatively consistent with slight upward movement.
2015 to 2019: Reform Storm and Global Pressure
India saw massive changes demonetization, GST, and global headwinds. These reforms caused short-term uncertainty in the Indian economy. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia was working on Vision 2030, trying to reduce oil dependency. The exchange rate showed SAR slowly gaining against INR due to INR depreciation more than SAR strength.
2020 to 2021: Pandemic Shockwaves
COVID-19 hit both nations hard. Travel restrictions affected remittances, oil prices nosedived, and economic activity slowed. The INR weakened further, and SAR to INR touched new highs during this period.
2022 to 2024: Recovery and Resilience
Both India and Saudi Arabia bounced back but at different paces. Rising oil prices helped Saudi’s economy recover faster, keeping the Riyal relatively strong. INR, while recovering, faced inflation and fiscal pressure, keeping the SAR to INR exchange rate on the higher side.
SAR to INR EXCHANGE Rate Table (2008 to 2024)
Here’s a quick look at the average yearly exchange rate from 2008 to 2024:
Year | 1 SAR to INR |
2008 | ₹12.09 |
2009 | ₹11.71 |
2010 | ₹11.30 |
2011 | ₹12.90 |
2012 | ₹13.10 |
2013 | ₹15.01 |
2014 | ₹15.40 |
2015 | ₹16.00 |
2016 | ₹16.50 |
2017 | ₹17.20 |
2018 | ₹17.90 |
2019 | ₹18.15 |
2020 | ₹19.35 |
2021 | ₹19.72 |
2022 | ₹21.10 |
2023 | ₹21.33 |
2024 | ₹21.45 |
What Drives the Saudi Riyal to INR Exchange Rate?
The SAR to INR rate doesn’t move randomly. Here are the major influencers:
1. Oil Prices
Saudi Arabia’s economy relies heavily on oil. High crude oil prices generally boost the Riyal’s strength, while India, being a major oil importer, sees INR weaken pushing the SAR to INR rate higher.
2. Remittances from Saudi Arabia to India
India receives a massive amount of remittances from workers in Saudi Arabia. When more money flows into India, INR demand rises, which can temporarily strengthen the rupee.
3. Trade and Bilateral Relations
India imports a large chunk of its oil from Saudi Arabia. Any disruption or growth in this trade relationship affects the demand and flow of currency between the two nations.
4. Domestic Economic Health
Inflation, GDP growth, central bank policies, and political stability in both countries impact investor confidence and therefore the currency exchange rate.
Why the SAR to INR Rate Matters to You
It’s not just a number on a screen. Here’s why it matters in real life:
- For Indian expats in Saudi Arabia: Even a 10-paise difference in the exchange rate can mean a lot over a year of remittances.
- For travelers and pilgrims: Whether you’re planning a business trip or visiting Mecca for Umrah or Hajj, knowing the rate helps in budgeting.
- For traders and businesses: Cross-border transactions and pricing can be significantly affected by currency fluctuations.
- For forex watchers: If you’re into trading or investing in currencies, SAR to INR offers predictable yet interesting movement.
Final Thoughts
The story of the Saudi Riyal to INR exchange rate is tied to oil, migration, reforms, and global markets. It has its highs and lows much like any long-term relationship. If you’re sending money, making travel plans, or trading currencies, tracking this pair helps you act at the right time.
History may not repeat itself exactly, but it sure does rhyme. And knowing the past helps you navigate the future with more confidence.
