Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud is an influential Saudi Arabian businessman, investor, philanthropist, and member of the royal family. Grandson of Abdulaziz, the first king of Saudi Arabia, and Riad Al Solh, Lebanon's inaugural prime minister, Al Waleed was recognized on Time magazine's Time 100 list of the world's most influential people in 2008. As the founder, CEO, and majority owner (95 percent) of the Kingdom Holding Company, he oversees a diversified portfolio spanning financial services, tourism, hospitality, media, entertainment, retail, agriculture, petrochemicals, aviation, technology, and real estate, with a market capitalization exceeding $18 billion in 2013. Owning prominent assets like Paris' Four Seasons Hotel George V and a share in New York's Plaza Hotel, Al Waleed has earned the moniker "Arabian Warren Buffett."
In a significant turn of events, on November 4, 2017, Al Waleed, along with other influential Saudis, faced arrest in a Saudi anti-corruption drive, which included allegations of money laundering, bribery, and extorting officials. This led to a three-month detention in the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, until his release on January 27, 2018, following a financial settlement. Despite a brief exclusion from the World's Billionaires list due to a lack of updated information in March 2018, Al Waleed maintained his stature, consistently featuring in the 'Top 100 most powerful Arabs' from 2013 to 2021 by Gulf Business.
HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud envisions a world where philanthropy serves as a catalyst for positive change, fostering humanitarian projects, empowering marginalized groups, and contributing to global understanding. His vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, emphasizing the importance of balanced international relations, gender inclusivity, and strategic investments in education and research. Prince Alwaleed's commitment to creating a more equitable and compassionate world is exemplified through his extensive philanthropic endeavors, aiming to address societal challenges and uplift communities on a global scale.
Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, born in Jeddah on March 7, 1955, hails from a prominent Saudi family with notable political connections. His father, Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, served as Saudi Arabia's finance minister before going into exile due to advocacy for political reform. Raised in Lebanon after his parents' separation, Al Waleed demonstrated early resilience, attending various schools before earning a bachelor's degree from Menlo College in 1979 and a master's degree from Syracuse University in 1985. His business journey commenced during the 1974–85 oil boom, marked by the formation of Kingdom Establishment in 1980, leading to successful ventures in construction, real estate, and banking.
Al Waleed's strategic investments expanded globally, involving major acquisitions and partnerships. In 1991, he made a pivotal investment of $590 million in Citibank, solidifying a lasting alliance. Over the years, his diverse portfolio included stakes in iconic entities such as Apple, News Corporation, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Euro Disney. The 2004 Forbes list ranked him fourth with a net worth of $21.5 billion, showcasing his influence and wealth. Despite setbacks in the early 2000s, including legal disputes and failed investments, Al Waleed continued to shape his legacy as a philanthropist, pledging to donate his fortune to charity and actively contributing through Alwaleed Philanthropies.
In recent developments, Al Waleed remains engaged in the business landscape, investing in Twitter and committing to purchase shares ahead of Elon Musk's acquisition bid.
Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud's philanthropic efforts have left a significant mark on various causes. In 1997, he invested $10 million in the Palestinian Investment and Development Company (PADICO) and played a key role in founding the Jerusalem Development and Investment Company (JEDICO). Al Waleed's charitable contributions extended globally, with notable donations such as $17 million for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. In 2015, he made headlines by announcing a groundbreaking $32 billion donation for philanthropic causes, emphasizing humanitarian projects, women's empowerment, disaster relief, disease eradication, and fostering cultural understanding.
Notably, after the 9/11 attacks, Al Waleed's $10 million donation to New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was rejected due to statements linking the attack to perceived imbalances in U.S. Middle East policies. This incident underscored the complexities of political and philanthropic engagement. Furthermore, Al Waleed's advocacy for female emancipation in Saudi Arabia was demonstrated through his financial support for Hanadi Zakaria al-Hindi, the first Saudi woman to become a commercial airline pilot.
Prince Al Waleed bin Talal has been honored with prestigious awards and distinctions, including the Order of King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia in 2002 and the Lebanese National Order of the Cedar. Notably, he received the Order of Izzudin from Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed in 2009 and the Star of Palestine, the highest honor from the State of Palestine, in the same year. His accolades also include the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Innovation in 2010 and the Bahrain Medal of the First Order in 2012. Furthermore, he was awarded the Nepalese third-order Mahaujjval Rastradip Manpadvi and Guinea-Bissau's Colina De Boe Medal in 2012. Prince Al Waleed's international recognition continued with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of Sierra Leone in 2013 and being named an Honorary Companion of the National Order of Merit of the Republic of Malta in 2014.
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