Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) Gold Reserves
Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) gold reserves explained: latest IMF IFS holdings figure, 10-year accumulation trend, peer comparison vs global central banks, policy rationale. Updated 2026-06-03.
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As of October 26, 2023, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) held 323.05 tonnes of gold, representing approximately 9.4% of its total foreign reserves. This significant allocation underscores the strategic importance of gold within the Kingdom's financial management, as reported by the World Gold Council.
SARKey Facts
- Institution
- Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Currency
- SAR
- Rate cadence
- Every 6 weeks
- Reserve data source
- IMF International Financial Statistics
- Last refresh
- 2026-06-03
What this means
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) maintains a substantial gold reserve, ranking among the top global holders. This positions Saudi Arabia as a key player in the international gold market, influencing global supply and demand dynamics.
SAMA's gold accumulation has shown a consistent upward trend over recent years. This strategic build-up reflects a long-term approach to diversifying its foreign exchange assets and enhancing financial stability.
The rationale behind SAMA's gold holdings is multifaceted, primarily serving as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. Gold's inherent value and liquidity provide a stable anchor for the Kingdom's financial reserves.
Gold Tonnage and Reserve Share. The Saudi Central Bank's gold reserves stand at an impressive 323.05 tonnes as per the latest World Gold Council data. This substantial quantity constitutes a significant portion, approximately 9.4%, of SAMA's total foreign exchange reserves, highlighting gold's prominent role.
Recent Reserve Movements. While SAMA's gold holdings have seen growth, specific recent quarterly changes are subject to market dynamics and central bank policy. The overall trend indicates a deliberate strategy to increase gold's allocation within the reserve portfolio.
Strategic Importance of Gold. Holding substantial gold reserves provides SAMA with a crucial diversification tool, mitigating risks associated with other reserve assets like foreign currencies. Gold's historical performance as a safe-haven asset offers stability during periods of economic uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Saudi Central Bank's (SAMA) current gold reserve amount?
As of the latest available data from the World Gold Council, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) holds approximately 323.05 tonnes of gold.How does SAMA's gold holding compare to other central banks?
SAMA's gold reserves rank it among the top global central bank gold holders, indicating a significant strategic allocation to the precious metal.What is the primary reason for SAMA's gold accumulation?
SAMA accumulates gold primarily to diversify its foreign exchange reserves, hedge against inflation and currency volatility, and enhance overall financial stability.Does SAMA actively trade its gold reserves?
While central banks may adjust their gold holdings based on market conditions and policy, SAMA's strategy appears focused on long-term accumulation and strategic diversification rather than active short-term trading.