Early Life and Education
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud was born on March 7, 1955, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is the grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and Riad Al Solh, Lebanon's first Prime Minister. He received a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Menlo College in California in 1979, and a Master of Science from Syracuse University in 1985. His dual heritage, Saudi and Lebanese, has significantly influenced his global outlook and approach to business and philanthropy.
Rise to Success
Alwaleed founded Kingdom Holding Company in 1980. The company's investments expanded into sectors such as banking, real estate, hospitality, media, and technology, transforming him into one of the wealthiest individuals globally. He made significant early investments in Citigroup and News Corporation, among others. By 2017, his net worth exceeded $50 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Alwaleed's success is attributed to a diversified investment portfolio comprising global brands, as well as regional and local investments. He employed a long-term investment approach, often identifying undervalued assets, and playing an active role in maximizing their performance. Key investments included stakes in Citigroup, Apple, News Corporation, Twitter, and various hotel chains like the Four Seasons. He has invested in X (formerly Twitter) and Elon Musk's xAI firm.
Philanthropy
Alwaleed has committed to philanthropy for over three decades, viewing it as a personal and religious responsibility. Through Alwaleed Philanthropies, he has spent over $4 billion on projects in 189 countries, focusing on women and youth empowerment, disaster relief, poverty eradication, and cultural exchange. He pledged his entire $32 billion fortune to his foundation. Notable initiatives include the Alwaleed Islamic Studies Program at Harvard University.
