Qatar 1 Riyal Banknote – Arms, Dhow & Emir’s Palace (1996 Issue)
Pick# 14a | Numista# 213465
Issued by the Qatar Monetary Agency in 1996, this 1 Riyal note reflects the transitional era of Qatar’s currency design before the Central Bank assumed full issuance authority. It combines national emblems with architectural imagery, presenting a balance of heritage and state authority. The note highlights the dhow and palm trees within the national arms, alongside depictions of the Emir’s Palace and Ministry of Finance—symbols of governance and continuity during the reign of Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Design Highlights
Obverse: The front of the note is printed predominantly in brown on a multicolored underprint. At right, the coat of arms of Qatar is enclosed in a rosette, featuring the dhow, crossed swords, and palm trees—an emblem of maritime tradition, defense, and desert resilience. The background is filled with arabesque patterns and repeating motifs, with bilingual text in Arabic and English. Serial numbers appear in black, and two official signatures authenticate the issue.
Reverse: The back presents a beached dhow at left, with the Ministry of Finance and the Emir’s Palace rising in the background at center. This composition ties Qatar’s seafaring past to its modern governance. The reverse is printed in purple tones, with geometric ornamentation framing the central vignette.
Color Scheme: Dominated by brown and purple hues, the palette conveys authority and tradition, distinct from later pastel-toned issues. The contrast between the earthy obverse and regal reverse underscores Qatar’s dual identity—heritage and modernization.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Qatar
Issuer Qatar Monetary Agency
Series 1996 Issue
Pick Number P# 14a
Denomination 1 Riyal
Size 134 × 66 mm
Material Cotton-based paper
Printer De La Rue (UK)
Year of Issue 1996
Security Features Watermark (Palm tree), security thread inscribed QATAR MONETARY AGENCY, microtext, serial numbers
Signatures Abdullah Ben Khaled Al-Attiya & Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani
Why Collect This Note
The 1996 Qatar 1 Riyal note is a pre-Central Bank issue, marking the final phase of the Monetary Agency’s designs before the transition to modernized layouts. Its imagery bridges traditional maritime life with state authority, making it a historically significant piece in Gulf numismatics.
It appeals to collectors interested in:
Early Qatari currency before the Central Bank redesigns
National arms and state symbolism in banknote art
Architectural vignettes depicting governance and heritage
This note stands as a compact tribute to Qatar’s identity in the mid-1990s—rooted in tradition yet poised for transformation.
