Not the US Dollar: This is the World's Strongest Currency in May 2026

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com - The United States dollar has long been known as the most dominant currency in the world. This currency is used in international trade, global foreign exchange reserves, and cross-border transactions.

However, this dominance does not make the US dollar the strongest currency in the world.

In the list of the world’s strongest currencies according to Forbes Advisor 2026, released in early May 2026, the top position is actually held by the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). The value of one Kuwaiti dinar is even higher than one US dollar.

Middle Eastern countries dominate the list of the world’s strongest currencies.

Large revenues from oil and gas exports give these countries strong foreign exchange reserves and a relatively stable monetary system.

Here is the list of the world’s strongest currencies according to Forbes Advisor.

Kuwait is known as one of the largest oil exporters in the world. Revenue from the energy sector is the main pillar of the country’s economic strength.

The second position is held by the Bahraini dinar. This island nation in the Persian Gulf earns a lot of income from oil and gas exports.

The Bahraini dinar began to be used in 1965 and was pegged to the US dollar, so its value is relatively stable.

This currency was introduced in the 1970s and pegged to the US dollar.

The Jordanian dinar is in fourth place. Unlike other Gulf countries, Jordan does not rely heavily on oil and gas exports.

However, the country has been able to maintain currency stability through strict monetary control. The Jordanian dinar has been used since 1950 and is pegged to the US dollar.