Algeria Introduces New Series of Banknotes, Coins

A man counts Algerian Dinar banknotes in Algiers. (Reuters)
A man counts Algerian Dinar banknotes in Algiers. (Reuters)
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Algeria Introduces New Series of Banknotes, Coins

A man counts Algerian Dinar banknotes in Algiers. (Reuters)
A man counts Algerian Dinar banknotes in Algiers. (Reuters)

The Central Bank of Algeria on Sunday issued into circulation two new banknotes at denomination of 500 and 1,000 Algerian dinars, as well as a new coin with face value of 100 dinars.

These new series of banknotes and coins bear portraits of some of Algeria's historical and modern elements, such as the Algerian satellite Alcomsat 1, the Great Mosque of Algiers, and two historical figures, namely the founder of modern Algeria, Emir Abdelkader, and Berber King of Numidia, Jugurtha.

The 100-dinar coin is made up of three different metals. The circlet is made of gray stainless steel, while the core is made of pinkish-yellow copper and nickel.

Secretary-General of the Central Bank Lahbib Goubi told reporters that these new notes and coins will be put into circulation by mid-February.

He added that this move aims at "refreshing the money in circulation" rather than "changing the national currency."

In Algeria, there are nine different coins, the values of which range from 50 cents to 200 dinars.

As for notes, there are those of 100 dinars, 200 dinars, 500 dinars, 1,000 and 2,000 dinars.



Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
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Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups

The number of foreign start‑ups holding Saudi Arabia’s “Riyadi” entrepreneurship license has more than doubled to 550 by mid‑2025, up 118 % from the same period a year earlier, the Investment Ministry said.

The Riyadi permit lets overseas founders launch and scale technology and innovation‑focused companies in the kingdom. Officials say the surge reflects a government push to position Saudi Arabia as the Gulf’s start‑up hub by easing market entry and offering flexible regulation.

The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) has meanwhile issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators, helping international entrepreneurs develop prototypes, find mentors and connect with investors.

Flagship tech gatherings such as Biban and LEAP in Riyadh – along with Saudi delegations to global events including Web Summit, VivaTech and Slush – have burnished the kingdom’s credentials as a magnet for venture capital and talent, the ministry said.

The momentum comes as Riyadh chases the economic‑diversification goals of its Vision 2030 plan. The government is targeting $100 billion a year in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2030.

Overall investment licensing jumped 67.7 % last year. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia issued 4,615 licenses, up 59.9 % year on year.

Net FDI inflows moderated to 16.0 billion riyals ($4.27 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, 24 % lower than a year earlier but 37 % higher than the previous quarter’s 11.7 billion riyals ($3.12 billion), according to General Authority for Statistics data.

Saudi officials say the Riyadi license is integral to diversifying the economy, fostering innovation and embedding an entrepreneurial culture.