...Qatar - 2022 Fifth Series of Banknotes Reprints Hybrid

 دولة قطر

(State of Qatar)

مصرف قطر المركزي

(Qatar Central Bank, est.1973)

Currency - Riyal (QAR)

 

These are the full set of seven notes all printed with the year date of 2022. These are the reprints of the fifth series, first issued on 18.12.2020 to coincide with the country's National Day celebration in 2020. I have been holding back from posting this set as I was missing the 100 riyal denomination to complete my collection for this series until now.

 

As these are reprints, there are no changes to the design of the notes, except the year date of 2022 and the two new signatures on the notes.

 

The design on the front for all the denominations share a common theme with a Qatari Coat of Arms,  traditional Qatari geometric designs, the flag of the State of Qatar, image of a Qatari flora called Dreama (printed on the image of the gate), and a large ornate gate representing the historical Qatari architecture. On the back, this fifth series features an array of beautiful images that reflect Qatar's history and embody the country's heritage, environment, sports, economy, and health. It also highlights some of Qatar's most prominent tourist attractions, old and new. On the front all text is printed with Arabic writing, whilst on the back are all in English language. The English writing on the back is all written in Edwardian Script style. All notes are printed with the year date of 2022 (٢٠٢٢). 

These notes are reportedly printed by De La Rue. 

One Riyal

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture. The design on the front for all 7 notes are the same, except for the denomination values. The main features are the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 1

Dimensions - 135mm x 67mm

 

Back - Qatari traditional dhow called Bateel (or batil or Battil). The Bateel is a common dhow used by the people living in the Persian Gulf region, as well as other Arab countries too. On the right is the Oyster and Pearl monument, which was built in 2006. This is a sculpture depicting an open oyster shell with a gigantic peal in it. This monument also served as a fountain and is located at Corniche Street in the capital city of Doha. It is a popular photo stop for the locals as well as overseas visitors too.

 

Five Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 5

Dimensions - 141mm x 68mm

 

Back - Theme Flora and Fauna. The designs depict a desert scene together with fauna like the Arab horses, camel, oryxes and flora (Al Qataf). On the background it also printed with a  hair tent (buryuut hajar).

 

 

Ten Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 148mm x 70mm

 

Back - Theme Sport and Education. The main features are the Lusail Stadium and The Torch Tower (Aspire Zone). The Lusail Stadium or Lusail Iconic Stadium is the biggest stadium ever built in Qatar, and hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on 18.12.2022. Building for this stadium was completed in April 2021. It has a maximum capacity of 80,000 people. The Torch Tower is a 300-meter tall skyscraper hotel located in Doha, which was built in 2007. The Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation) was founded in 1995 and is a state-led non-profit organisation.

 

Fifty Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 153.5mm x 71mm

 

Back - The Qatar Central Bank building (left) and the Ministry of Finance building (right). The construction for the Qatar Central Bank building started in 2020

 

 

 

One Hundred Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 153.5mm x 71mm 

Back - Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. This mosque was opened in 2011, and has a capacity of 30,000 people. The building comprises 90 domes and one minaret. 

 

 

Two Hundred Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 165.5mm x 74.5mm

 

Back - Image of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani which was once the residence of Sheikh Abdullan bin Jsaaim Al Thani. In 1972, this historical building was converted into a museum, called the Qatar National Museum. In the background is the Museum of Islamic Art.

Five Hundred Riyals 

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 500

Dimensions - 171.5mm x 75.5mm

 

Back - Image of the Ras Laffan LNG refinery which is situated in the north-east of Qatar. There are Laffan Refinery 1 and Laffan Refinery 2. The first refinery commenced operation in 2009 and the second one started in 2016. A LNG canter ship is docking at the port. A LNG carrier is designed for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export. The largest LNG canter ship can carry up to 266,000 cubic meters or 9,400,000 cubic feet of LNG.

...Qatar - 2020 Fifth Series of Banknotes Issued on 18.12.2020 Hybrid

دولة قطر

(State of Qatar)

مصرف قطر المركزي

(Qatar Central Bank)

Currency - Riyal (QAR)

On 13.12.2020, the Central Bank of Qatar announced the Fifth Series of banknotes, and for the first time a 200 riyals banknote was introduced. It was then reported that these new series contain more than 50 security features, and a total of 8 billion riyals in new banknotes to be issued. On 18.12.2020 it released the full set of banknotes to coincide with the Qatari's National Day celebration.

The Qatari's National Day is a day celebrating the country's unification in 1878. This day is also sometimes known as Founder's Day. The National Day was made a public holiday in 2007. Prior to this, the National Day was celebrated on the 3rd of September annually since 1971, the day when Qatar achieved its independence from the British.

 

Prior to 1966, Qatar used the Indian rupees as its own currency, circulating in the form of Gulf rupees which was pegged at parity with the Indian currency. However, in 1966 the Indian government devalued its currency, and Qatar (and a few other Gulf States using the Gulf rupees at that time) then decided to issue its own currency. On 19.05.1973, the Qatari government issued its first currency with the denominations of 1, 5, 100 and 500 riyals. In 1976, the 50 riyals note was added to the series.

 

The design on the front for all the denominations share a common theme with a Qatari Coat of Arms,  traditional Qatari geometric designs, the flag of the State of Qatar, image of a Qatari flora called Dreama (printed on the image of the gate), and a large ornate gate representing the historical Qatari architecture. On the back, this fifth series features an array of beautiful images that reflect Qatar's history and embody the country's heritage, environment, sports, economy, and health. It also highlights some of Qatar's most prominent tourist attractions, old and new. On the front all text is printed with Arabic writing, whilst on the back are all in English language. The English writing on the back is all written in Edwardian Script style. All notes are printed with the year date of 2020 (٢٠٢٠).

Signatures

Governor - Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al-Thani (since May 2006)

Minister of Finance - Ali Sharif Al-Emadi (since 26.06.2013-06.05.2021) 

Watermark - State of Qatar Crest and the denomination numerals

Printer - De La Rue (reportedly)

 

The set is also reportedly printed on Hybrid substrate materials.

One Riyal

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

Theme - Qatari traditional culture. Qatari traditional dhow called Bateel (or batil or Battil). The Bateel is a common dhow used by the people living in the Persian Gulf region, as well as other Arab countries too. On the right is the Oyster and Pearl monument, which was built in 2006. This is a sculpture depicting an open oyster shell with a gigantic peal in it. This monument also served as a fountain and is located at Corniche Street in the capital city of Doha. It is a popular photo stop for the locals as well as overseas visitors too.

 

Dimensions - 135.5mm x 66.5mm

Qatari dhow (Bateel), Oyster and Pearl monument

 

Five Riyals

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

Theme - Flora and Fauna. The designs depict a desert scene together with fauna like the Arab horses, camel, oryxes and flora (Al Qataf). On the background it is also printed with a  hair tent (buryuut hajar).

 

Dimensions - 141mm x 68mm

Flora and fauna, Arab horses, camel, oryxes and flora (Al Qataf)

 

Ten Riyals

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

 

Theme - Sport and Education. The main features are the Lusail Stadium and The Torch Tower (Aspire Zone). The Lusail Stadium or Lusail Iconic Stadium is the biggest stadium ever built in Qatar, and hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on 18.12.2022. Building for this stadium was completed in April 2021. It has a maximum capacity of 80,000 people. The Torch Tower is a 300-meter tall skyscraper hotel located in Doha, which was built in 2007. The Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation) was founded in 1995 and is a state-led non-profit organisation.

 

Dimensions -  147.5mm x 70mm

Lusail Stadium, The Torch Tower (Aspire Zone). The Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation)

Fifty Riyals

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

The Qatar Central Bank building and the Ministry of Finance building.

Dimensions -  153.5mm x 71mm 

Qatar Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance building

One Hundred Riyals

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

 

Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. This mosque was opened in 2011, and has a capacity of 30,000 people. The building comprises 90 domes and one minaret.

 

Dimensions - 159mm x 73mm

Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahbab moshab mosque

Two Hundred Riyals

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

 

Image of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani which was once the residence of Sheikh Abdullan bin Jsaaim Al Thani. In 1972, this historical building was converted into a museum, called the Qatar National Museum. In the background is the Museum of Islamic Art. 

 

Dimensions - 165mm x 74mm

Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the Museum of Islamic Art. of

Five Hundred Riyals

Coat of Arms, flag, a large ornate gate

 

Image of the Ras Laffan LNG refinery which is situated in the north-east of Qatar. There are Laffan Refinery 1 and Laffan Refinery 2. The first refinery commenced operation in 2009 and the second one started in 2016. A LNG canter ship is docking at the port. A LNG carrier is designed for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export. The largest LNG canter ship can carry up to 266,000 cubic meters or 9,400,000 cubic feet of LNG.

 

Dimensions - 171mm x 75.5mm

Ras Laffan LNG refinery, a LNG canter ship docking at the seaport

 

Footnote: -

The above notes for 1, 5, 10 and 50 riyals have now been replaced by the 2022 reprints.

 

As at 31.12.2021, all previously issued notes ceased to be legal tender, but can be redeemed at face value from the Qatar Central Bank up to a period of 10 years. In reality, if you have them in uncirculated condition, it will be worth much more than face value by then.

...Qatar - nd2015 Fourth Series Reprints Full Set Paper And Hybrid Notes Reprints

دولة قطر

(State of Qatar)

 

مصرف قطر المركزي

(Qatar Central Bank)

Currency - Riyal (QAR)

 

These are the reprints of the fourth series, first released in 2007. This is a full set from 1 to 500 riyals with the 100 and 500 riyals both printed on hybrid materials. The design of these notes is the same as those first issued in 2007, but with one new signature printed on the notes, namely the Minister of Finance, Ali Sharif Al-Emadi, who was appointed to the role in June 2013.

 

It is not sure when these banknotes were actually printed and released but given that these signature combinations were first reported in 2015, then my guess would be either in 2014 or 2015. It is not unusual that new banknotes are printed and not distributed to the public until stocks from previous prints are depleted. 

Following the release of the current Qatar's fifth series of banknotes on 18.12.2020, all the fourth series of banknotes ceased legal tender as from 01.01.2022. However, they can still be redeemed at the Qatar Central Bank by 31.03.2031, which is still a long way to go. By then, unless the Qatari riyal banknote in your procession is in a poor or terrible condition, any banknotes in better or especially in uncirculated condition would be worth much more than at face value. Even a 1 riyal in uncirculated condition may still be able to fetch you a few times over the face value. Of course, condition is everything when it comes to collecting. So, hang on to your banknotes!

 

Signatures

Governor - Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani (since May 2006)

Minister of Finance - Ali Sharif Al-Emadi (since 26.06.2013)

The designs

On the front of all the notes, it features the Coat of Arms of Qatar. It also features the traditional geometric patterns. Since the issuance of its own banknotes in 1973, no banknotes of Qatar have been printed with the portrait of it's Emir or Ruler. You must be wondering why they do that. It is believed that this is to avoid idolatry on anyone. This is why so many banknotes issued in the Arab world, especially on the front, are designed with traditional Islamic art, vegetal ornamentation, geometric patterns and in some cases with animals or religious or government buildings. Even the watermark on these notes is a falcon head and not the image of the Emir.

 

All banknotes are printed with Arabic text on the front and English on the hack. 

 

One Riyal

nd2015, Coat of Arms

Back - The native birds of crested lark, Eurasian bee eater and lesser sand plover all resting or standing on tree branches. Dimensions - 135mm x 65.5mm

 

Reverse - birds (Crested Lark, Eurasian Bee Eater, Lesser Sand Plover)

Five Riyals

nd2015, Coat of Arms

Back - The image of the National Museum of Qatar on the left, Arabian oryxes and a camel.

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 67.5mm

 

Reverse - National Museum, camels, antelopes

Ten Riyals

nd2015, Coat of Arms

Back - A sailing dhow and sand dunes in the background. Dimensions - 146.5mm x 69mm

Reverse - dhow, sand dunes Khor al-Udeid

Fifty Riyals

nd2015, Coat of Arms

Back - Pearl Oyster Monument, view of Qatar Central bank building. Dimensions - 152.5mm x 70mm

Pearl Oyster Monument, view of Qatar Central bank building

One Hundred Riyals (Hybrid)

nd2015, Coat of Arms

Back - The image of Al-Shaqab Institute on top and the Mosque of the Sheikhs in Doha below.

Dimensions - 158mm x 72mm

Reverse - al-Shaqab Institute, Sheikhs Mosque in Doha

Five Hundred Riyals (Hybrid)

nd2015, Coat of Arms

Back - Falcon, view of the Amiri Diwan of Qatar (government building for the State of Qatar).

Dimensions - 164mm x 74mm

 

Falcon, view of the Amiri Diwan of Qatar

..Footnote

This is the fourth series since 1973, and these notes are no longer legal tender and as such are not redeemable at the commercial banks. However, they are still redeemable at the central bank until 31.03.2031. By then, and if you have any of these notes, even in circulated condition, I bet you that it would still be worth the face value of the note to a dealer. Despite saying this, I am not sure if they would accept the high value note though, unless it is in uncirculated condition!

Qatar - 100 and 500 Riyals 2007 Double Digit Prefix

Double Digit Prefix
One Hundred Riyals

ND2007, P26b

Reverse

Five Hundred Riyals

ND2007, P27b

Reverse

According to some listings, these notes have the reference numbers of P26b and P27b just because it has a double digit prefix. I am not sure if this should be the case, but anyway, here are the notes for your viewing pleasure. If they said so, it must be correct!

Qatar - 100 and 500 Riyals 2007

One Hundred Riyals

Brief Description

Governor - Abdullah Saud Al-Thani

Minister of Finance, Economy and Commerce - Yousef Hussein Kamal

Dimensions – 164mm x 74mm

Prefix number series - In Arabic

Date issue - 26 September 2007, no date on note

Obverse - The front of the note is predominantly designed with patterns derived from Qatari ornaments. On the top right corner it features the State Crest of Qatar. The Optiks instead of windowed security thread is located towards the right of the note. This note has a watermark of a falcon's head.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the Green Mosque in Doha and al-Shaqab Institute.

Five Hundred Riyals

Reverse

Obverse - The front of the note is predominantly designed with patterns derived from Qatari ornaments. On the top right corner it features the State Crest of Qatar. The Optiks instead of windowed security thread is located towards the right of the note. This note has a watermark of a falcon's head.

Reverse - The back of the note depicted a Falcon head. On the left are the Royal Palace and Al-Wajbah Fort, On the back it has the following words in English - "Qatar Central Bank" and "Five Hundred Riyals". Images on the back shifted to make room for the Optiks security.