Who is Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud? 3 Facts You Didn’t Know About The Saudi Royal
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud is a prominent figure from the ruling Al Saud family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a successful businessman and investor, as well as the founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kingdom Holding Company, one of the most prosperous and diverse financial investment groups in the world.
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud was born in Riyadh in 1955. He studied Business Administration in the United States before entering the world of business. As the founder of the Kingdom Holding Company, his talent for business and commitment to a diverse portfolio is clear. The Company holds investments worth tens of billions in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Prince Alwaleed focuses investment in the hotel and travel sectors, however the company also has shares in the largest companies in the world, such as Apple and Walt Disney.
In 2014, Bloomberg included Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud in their Billionaire Index. His Royal Highness has also been included in a list of the 100 most powerful Arab businessmen, as well as the Foreign Policy magazine, an American publication, list of the 500 most powerful people in the world.
He has two married children, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud and Princess Reem bint al-Waleed bin Talal, with Princess Dalal bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Who is Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud?
An Ancient Lineage
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud was born in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in 1955. His father is Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, son of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Saud, and his mother is Princess Mona, daughter of Riad Al Solh, the first Prime Minister of Lebanon after its independence.
In addition to his royal lineage, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has a relation to the Syrian Al-Jabiri family through his maternal Grandmother, Faizah Al Jabiri — the daughter of Abdul Qadir, Mufi Aleppo and the sister of Saadallah al-Jabiri, a two-time prime minister and a two-time Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria.
Connection to the Moroccan Royal Family
You may not know that there exists a strong kinship between His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and the Moroccan royal family. His Maternal Aunt, Her Highness Princess Lalla Lamia Solh, is the widow of Prince Moulay Abdullah, the youngest son of the former Moroccan King Mohammed V, a member of the Alawi Dynasty, and brother of the late King Hassan II.
Above is a photo that His Highness Prince Moulay Hicham Alaoui shares of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s childhood spent in Morocco. Pictures here with King Mohammed V, his maternal Aunt and Prince Moulay Abdulla.
Al Hilal Football Club
Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud is known for his investment in the Saudi Pro Football Club Al Hilal; His Royal Highness is also a great supporter of the team. Most recently it was announced that Brazilian Footballer Neymar would join the Club.
Member of the Honorary Board of #Alhilal Club HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal awarded the first football team players after winning the league. @Alwaleed_Talal @SamiAlJaber pic.twitter.com/DF6jxWM9Xw
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 19, 2018
Al Hilal FC also reaches the World Cup final in Morocco that took place last February. Unfortunately loosing to Spain’s Real Madrid. However, Prince Al Waleed was subsequently announced as the honorary golden member of the Club after the won the League in the 2018 season.
An announcement that was made through his personal account on X (formerly known as Twitter). In celebration, he offered a reward of one million riyals to each player, leading the teach value to currently exceed 100 million riyals.
Lead images courtesy of X (@Alhilal_EN)