500 Riyals QAT Banknote (1996 Issue) 1996

500 Riyals Qatari Riyal (Issued 1996)

The 1996 issue of the 500 Riyals banknote was released during a period of significant institutional consolidation for Qatar, as the Qatar Central Bank strengthened its monetary framework following the country’s rapid economic expansion driven by natural gas revenues. Issued in the mid-1990s, this high-denomination note reflected Qatar’s growing financial confidence and its ambitions as a leading Gulf state. The note has since been withdrawn from circulation, rendering it a piece of Qatari monetary history that speaks directly to the nation’s transformation during the late twentieth century. For those holding this note in the United Kingdom, it remains exchangeable through specialist currency services.

On the front, the design is dominated by rich tones of green, teal, and warm golden-brown, laid over an intricate background of detailed guilloché patterning that fills the entire field with fine concentric and interlocking geometric forms. At the upper centre, the issuing authority is identified in Arabic script as “بنك قطر المركزي” — the Qatar Central Bank — presented within a rectangular panel framed by delicate ornamental borders. Immediately below this heading, the denomination is stated prominently in Arabic as “خمسمائة ريال” (Five Hundred Riyals), rendered in bold, stylised calligraphy. To the left side of the note, the serial number — reading ١/٩ ٤٩٠٩٧١ — is printed vertically in a deep contrasting ink, appearing twice on the note: once along the left vertical edge and once in the lower right area of the composition. A central vignette features ornate floral and arabesque decorative elements, with sweeping curved forms in warm ochre and brown tones radiating outward in a symmetrical arrangement. To the right, a circular emblem depicts a traditional dhow sailing vessel set against a scene of palm trees and calm water, enclosed within a finely engraved roundel with detailed border work. The denomination numeral “٥٠٠” appears in the upper right corner, again in the lower left in European numerals as “500”, and repeated at the lower right. A line of Arabic text below the central denomination inscription identifies a legislative or regulatory reference in smaller script. Two signature lines appear in the lower portion of the note, with Arabic captions beneath each, indicating the authorising signatories of the Qatar Central Bank. The overall print quality is precise and deeply inked, consistent with intaglio printing methods that produce a tactile, raised quality to the key text and numerals.

The reverse is printed in a cool palette of blues, mauves, greens, and pale orange, with the upper section displaying a horizontally banded guilloché background in soft rainbow tones transitioning from orange at the top through yellow and green into blue. The centrepiece of the reverse is a highly detailed engraved vignette depicting an offshore oil drilling platform — a jack-up rig — shown standing in open water with its three large latticed legs extending down into the sea and its derrick tower rising prominently against a plain background. The rig structure is rendered with considerable precision, showing the platform deck, support legs, and drilling tower in fine line engraving. This image is a direct reference to Qatar’s hydrocarbon wealth, particularly the offshore natural gas and oil fields that underpin the national economy. Above the central vignette, the denomination text “FIVE HUNDRED RIYALS” is printed in clear, bold Latin capital letters in dark ink. To the right side of the note, the text “QATAR CENTRAL BANK” is printed vertically in matching dark capitals. In the upper right corner, the numeral “500” is rendered in large, stylised figures in a deep reddish-purple tone, with a decorative curved flourish. The lower section of the reverse features a horizontal band of intricate dark blue and purple guilloché panel work incorporating repeated denomination numerals “500” set within geometric framework, providing an additional layer of anti-counterfeiting patterning. The paper throughout shows a clean, high-quality finish consistent with security printing standards of the period.

This 500 Riyals banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com, where old or withdrawn Qatari Riyals banknotes are bought alongside other foreign currency — ideal for clearing a drawer of mixed coins and notes at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 Riyals Qatari Riyal banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your Qatari Riyals banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.