1 Omani Rial Banknote (Type 2005)

1 Rial Rial Omani (Issued 2005)

Warm rose-pink and soft violet dominate the palette of this 2005 commemorative issue, with the two tones shifting gently across the note’s surface in a manner characteristic of offset lithography at its most refined during the early 2000s. Dusty lavender pools in the border regions whilst deeper crimson-pink concentrates around the central vignette, creating a layered warmth that was deliberately chosen to distinguish this commemorative issue from the standard series in circulation. Subtle coral and pale blush tones fill the intricate geometric latticework that frames both the portrait and the denomination panel, giving the entire composition a richness appropriate to the occasion it marks. The interplay of these hues references the tonal language of Gulf banknote design during this period, where warm earthy colours were favoured to evoke the desert landscape and architectural heritage of the region.

On the front, the right-hand portion of the note is dominated by a finely engraved portrait of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the late ruler of Oman who presided over the country’s modern renaissance from 1970 until his death in 2020. He is depicted in traditional Omani dress, wearing a richly detailed turban in deep blue and white with fine stripes, and a formal bisht over his robes, rendered with considerable engraving precision that captures the texture of the fabric. His expression is composed and authoritative, facing slightly to the left, and the portrait is set against a warm background that fades into the central field of the note. Directly to the left of the portrait, the national emblem of Oman — the crossed swords and khanjar dagger — is printed in dark ink as a bold central motif, symbolising the nation’s sovereignty and heritage. Arabic calligraphy runs across the upper register of the note, reading “البنك المركزي العُماني” — the Central Bank of Oman — in elegant script, while the denomination “ريال واحد” (One Rial) appears in Arabic in the central field alongside further Arabic text identifying this as a commemorative issue. The serial number 1028802 appears twice, once in the upper left region and once in the lower right, printed in dark red numerals. The left-hand panel features a large pale rectangular watermark window framed by intricate guilloché latticework in pink and crimson, designed to house the watermark when held to the light. The borders of the note are filled with a repeating geometric diamond and floral pattern characteristic of Islamic decorative arts, rendered in rich rose and violet tones. Signatures of authorising Central Bank officials appear in the lower section of the front face, accompanied by Arabic text denoting official capacity. A security thread is embedded vertically within the paper, visible as a dark line when examined directly. The numeral “1” appears prominently in both the upper left and lower right corners of the front face in bold typography.

The reverse of this commemorative 1 Rial note is a celebration of Oman’s 35th National Day, clearly marked with the inscription “35th National Day” and the dual calendar date “1426 H / 2005 G” printed in the upper right corner beneath the headline “CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN” in bold, confident serif typography across the full width of the note. The denomination “ONE RIAL” is printed in large capital letters along the lower edge of the reverse in deep violet ink. The central composition features a striking vignette of a traditional Omani tall-masted sailing vessel — a dhow-style ship with multiple sails fully rigged — depicted in warm golden-brown tones navigating open water, referencing Oman’s celebrated seafaring history. To the right of the ship, a circular commemorative medallion in purple and gold bears the numeral “35” prominently at its centre, surrounded by Arabic script in a formal seal design, marking the anniversary of Oman’s National Day. Further to the right, a tall minaret or lighthouse tower rises in violet-blue tones against a pale sky, its architectural detail carefully rendered to suggest a recognisable Omani landmark. In the lower right of the composition, a coastal fortification — rendered in blue and purple tones — sits upon rocky terrain, evoking the historic forts that punctuate Oman’s coastline. A flock of birds in flight, depicted in warm red-orange tones, arcs across the upper portion of the reverse above the ship, adding movement and life to the scene. The background of the reverse is filled with a soft wave pattern in pale lavender and lilac, over which the various pictorial elements are layered. The borders repeat the same geometric guilloché patterning visible on the front, ensuring visual coherence across both faces of the note. The overall colour palette of the reverse leans into cool violet and blue-lavender, punctuated by the warm gold-brown of the sailing vessel and the coral red of the birds in flight.

This 1 Rial Omani banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com, where old or withdrawn Omani Rials banknotes are bought alongside other foreign currency — ideal for clearing a drawer of mixed coins and notes at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Rial Rial Omani banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com helps you exchange old coins and banknotes with no fuss, combining your Omani Rials banknotes with other foreign currency into a single, hassle-free cash exchange.

Other Omani Rials you can exchange: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 5, 10, 20, 50.