Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud is a Saudi billionaire investor, philanthropist, and royal, widely regarded as one of the most influential business figures in the Arab world. Born on March 7, 1955, in Riyadh, he is the grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz, and a nephew of King Salman.
Business & Investment Legacy
Founded Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) in 1980 and serves as its chairman; the firm invests globally in real estate, hotels (e.g. Four Seasons), equity stakes in Citigroup, Snap, X, and Rotana media among others
As of mid‑2025, his net worth is estimated at US $16.5 billion, making him the richest Arab in Forbes Middle East’s 2025 list
In 2022, he sold nearly 17% of KHC to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund for about $1.6 billion
He is a major supporter and honorary Platinum member of Al Hilal SFC, donated 300 million SAR in 2024, and has rewarded players publicly
Philanthropy & Global Outreach
Established Alwaleed Philanthropies (formerly the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation) focused on education, women, intercultural dialogue, and disaster relief across multiple countries
Committed to donating up to US $32 billion to philanthropic causes including academic centers at Georgetown, Harvard, Cambridge, and more globally
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Detention & Legal Settlement
In November 2017, he was detained in a sweeping anti‑corruption campaign by Saudi authorities, among hundreds of royals and business leaders. He was released in January 2018 after reportedly refusing to pay the expected settlement and instead offering equity stakes—though details remain unconfirmed
Following that period, Forbes resumed listing him in its billionaire rankings in 2025 after omitting him since his 2018 detention
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Major Projects & Ventures
A leading figure in the Jeddah Tower project: KHC is a major shareholder in Jeddah Economic Company, and Al‑Waleed initiated the iconic 1 km skyscraper whose construction resumed in early 2025, targeting a 2028 completion
Announced himself in early 2025 that Kingdom Holding will fully reconstruct Beirut’s Four Seasons Hotel, damaged in the 2020 port explosion. The reopening is planned for early 2026
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Personal Life
Married and divorced four times; children include Prince Khaled (b. 1978) and Princess Reem (b. 1982) from his first marriage to Princess Dalal bint Saud
His philanthropic and reformist former wife, Ameera al‑Taweel, has been vocal in supporting women’s rights in Saudi Arabia
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