Currency & Travel Articles

“Top 7 Must-Know Currency Conversions for Middle Eastern & North African Travelers”

June 14, 2025 /

From bustling markets in Cairo to luxury malls in Dubai, knowing the value of your money can make all the difference.

Traveling through the Middle East and North Africa offers unforgettable experiences—from ancient ruins and sacred landmarks to modern wonders and desert adventures. Whether you’re planning a visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, or Morocco, staying informed about currency exchange rates helps you budget wisely and avoid unexpected costs. This guide offers quick access to the most commonly used currency conversions, empowering you to explore with confidence, ease, and peace of mind.

Source: USD @ Mon, 23 Jun.

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“Know Before You Go — Convert Like a Pro!”

United Arab Emirates (AED – UAE Dirham)
Popular for travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi — luxury shopping, business, and tourism.

Egypt (EGP – Egyptian Pound)
Must-have for travelers seeing the Pyramids, cruising the Nile, or visiting Cairo.

Israel (ILS – Israeli New Shekel)
Important for trips to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and religious/historical tourism.

Jordan (JOD – Jordanian Dinar)
A must for travelers visiting Petra, the Dead Sea, or Amman.

Kuwait (KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar)
Often used by business travelers or expats; Kuwait’s currency is one of the strongest globally.

Morocco (MAD – Moroccan Dirham)
Great for exploring Marrakesh, Casablanca, or the Sahara Desert.

Oman (OMR – Omani Rial)
Perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences in Muscat or adventures in desert landscapes.

Qatar (QAR – Qatari Riyal)
Increasingly visited due to Doha’s growing tourism and international events.

Saudi Arabia (SAR – Saudi Riyal)
Key for pilgrims heading to Mecca or Medina and for business travelers in Riyadh.

“From ancient wonders to modern marvels, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences — and the right currency can help unlock them all!”

United Arab Emirates (AED – UAE Dirham)
Popular for travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi — luxury shopping, business, and tourism.

  1. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world at 828 meters (2,717 feet).
  2. UAE has no income tax for individuals, making it a hub for global entrepreneurs.
  3. Dubai’s police fleet includes luxury cars like Lamborghinis and Bugattis.

Egypt (EGP – Egyptian Pound)
Must-have for travelers seeing the Pyramids, cruising the Nile, or visiting Cairo.

  1. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
  2. Egypt is home to over 100 pyramids.
  3. The Nile River is the longest river in the world, flowing north through eleven countries.

Israel (ILS – Israeli New Shekel)
Important for trips to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and religious/historical tourism.

  1. Israel has the highest number of startups per capita in the world.
  2. The Dead Sea, bordering Israel, is so salty that people naturally float in it.
  3. Israel is one of the only countries to have revived a dead language — Hebrew — making it the official national language used daily.

Jordan (JOD – Jordanian Dinar)
A must for travelers visiting Petra, the Dead Sea, or Amman.

  1. Petra, Jordan’s iconic archaeological site, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  2. The country is over 90% desert, including the famous Wadi Rum.
  3. Jordan is one of the few stable countries in the region, welcoming travelers from around the world.

Kuwait (KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar)
Often used by business travelers or expats; Kuwait’s currency is one of the strongest globally.

  1. The Kuwaiti Dinar is the highest-valued currency unit in the world.
  2. Kuwait has no rivers or lakes — all water is obtained through desalination.
  3. Kuwait’s oil reserves are among the top ten in the world.

Morocco (MAD – Moroccan Dirham)
Great for exploring Marrakesh, Casablanca, or the Sahara Desert.

  1. Morocco is one of the few countries where you can surf and ski in the same day.
  2. The Sahara Desert covers over 30% of Morocco’s territory.
  3. The city of Fez is home to the world’s oldest continually operating university.

Oman (OMR – Omani Rial)
Perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences in Muscat or adventures in desert landscapes.

  1. Oman has banned skyscrapers in Muscat to preserve its traditional skyline.
  2. The country has one of the world’s few bioluminescent beaches.
  3. Frankincense, once more valuable than gold, originates from Oman’s Dhofar region.

Qatar (QAR – Qatari Riyal)
Increasingly visited due to Doha’s growing tourism and international events.

  1. Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the first in the Arab world.
  2. The country has one of the highest GDPs per capita globally.
  3. Nearly 90% of Qatar’s population are expatriates.

Saudi Arabia (SAR – Saudi Riyal)
Key for pilgrims heading to Mecca or Medina and for business travelers in Riyadh.

  1. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s two holiest cities — Mecca and Medina.
  2. The country recently opened up to tourism through its Vision 2030 reform.
  3. Riyadh, the capital, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East.

Ready To Travel?

Planning a trip abroad involves more than just booking flights and packing bags — understanding how to manage your money wisely is essential for a smooth journey.
For practical strategies on handling different currencies while traveling, check out our guide: Smart Currency Exchange Tips for Travelers: What to Know Before You Go

Before you go, it’s crucial to stay informed about international travel requirements, local customs, and safety precautions.
Explore these official resources to help you prepare:

Travelers – United States Department of State

Before You Go

Article by Convert&GO.com