Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's SDR position reflects its transformation into a global financial power through oil wealth. After the 1973-74 oil shock, Saudi Arabia rapidly became one of the IMF's largest creditors. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) consistently holds SDRs above its allocation, reflecting massive petrodollar surpluses. Saudi Arabia has provided substantial bilateral financing to the IMF and plays a key role in IMF governance discussions for the Middle East region.

Current Allocation

SDR 10.0B

2026

Current Holdings

SDR 11.0B

+10.1% vs allocation

IMF Quota Share

2.1%

SDR 10.0B quota

Allocation Growth

+18613%

Since 1970

Initial SDR Allocation

First Allocation Year

1970

Initial SDR Allocation

SDR 53M

Initial Quota Share

1.41%

SDR Allocation & Holdings Over Time

Allocation

Holdings

IMF Quota Share Evolution (%)

Decade-by-Decade SDR Status

Year	Allocation (M SDR)	Holdings (M SDR)	Quota Share	Net Position	Note
1970	53	53	1.41%	+0	—
1981	780	900	3.18%	+121	Oil windfall; Saudi Arabia became major IMF creditor
1991	1,041	1,300	3.41%	+259	Gulf War period
2001	2,280	2,800	3.21%	+520	—
2011	6,986	8,000	2.8%	+1,015	Oil boom; holdings well above allocation
2021	9,993	11,000	2.1%	+1,007	2021 allocation
2026Current	9,993	11,000	2.1%	+1,007	Current status; strong creditor position

2026 — Current SDR Status

Total Allocation

SDR 9,993M

Current Holdings

SDR 11,000M

IMF Quota (SDR)

SDR 9,993M

Status

▲ Net Creditor (+10.1%)