Billionaire Profile
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud
Global Rank
#125

Image: Prime Minister's Office | GODL-India | via Wikimedia Commons

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud

CEO, Investments
SAUDI ARABIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$19.782B
Estimated based on Investments stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.03% (24h)
Age
70
Source
investments
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
SAUDI ARABIA

Biography

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud is a prominent Saudi Arabian businessman, investor, and philanthropist, ranked #128 on Forbes' 2025 Billionaires list. His estimated net worth is $19.5 billion, primarily derived from his diverse investments. Alwaleed is the founder, CEO, and majority owner of Kingdom Holding Company, a global investment firm with holdings in finance, real estate, technology, and media. His career is marked by significant investments in global companies, including Citigroup, Twitter, and various luxury hotels. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts through Alwaleed Philanthropies.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 7, 1955. He is a member of the House of Saud, the grandson of the first king of Saudi Arabia, and the nephew of subsequent Saudi kings. His mother is Princess Mona Al Solh, the daughter of Lebanon's first prime minister. He received his education in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

Rise to Success

Alwaleed began his business career in 1980, founding Kingdom Holding Company. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Menlo College in 1979 and a master's in social science from Syracuse University in 1985. He built a global empire spanning finance, technology, hotels, and media. Alwaleed is often referred to as the "Arabian Warren Buffett". He became a billionaire by 1989 through stakes in high-profile assets.

Key Business Strategies

His strategy included early investments in Apple, Motorola, News Corporation, and Citigroup. He invested $300 million in Twitter in 2011. Alwaleed's investments include ownership in luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and the Savoy Hotel in London. He owns a 95% stake in Kingdom Holding Company.

Philanthropy

Alwaleed is known for his philanthropic efforts through Alwaleed Philanthropies, which has supported various causes. In 2015, he pledged his fortune to charity.

Career Milestones

1980

Founded Kingdom Holding Company

Established a major investment conglomerate in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

1991

Invested in Citicorp

Rescued Citicorp with a significant investment.

2011

Invested in Twitter

Invested $300 million in Twitter.

2015

Pledged Fortune to Charity

Announced commitment to donate his entire fortune to philanthropic causes.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Various

Alwaleed Philanthropies

$3.5B

Over 35 years, contributed to various causes including disaster relief, women's empowerment, and cultural understanding.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Philanthropy is a personal responsibility, which I embarked upon more than three decades ago and is an intrinsic part of my Islamic faith."

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Detention in Saudi Arabia

Detained as part of an anti-corruption purge, resolved with a financial settlement.

2013

Lawsuit against Forbes

Sued Forbes for allegedly underestimating his wealth, the case was dismissed.

2013

Airbus Lawsuit

Lost a lawsuit in London involving the sale of his private jet to Muammar Gaddafi.