The first issue of official paper currency was released under the Monetary System Law promulgated by Royal Decree during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz — may God have mercy on him — on 1 Rajab 1379 AH, corresponding to 1/1/1381 AH (14 June 1961).
It consisted of five denominations:
- The 100‑riyal note
- The 50‑riyal note
- The 10‑riyal note
- The 5‑riyal note
- The 1‑riyal note
This first issue was withdrawn from circulation on 1/5/1391 AH, corresponding to 24 June 1971.