You’ve probably seen the headlines over the years. Some call him the "Arabian Warren Buffett." Others remember the grainy footage from the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh back in 2017. Honestly, the story of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al Saud is a lot messier and more interesting than just a billionaire’s balance sheet. He’s a man who turned a modest $30,000 loan into a global empire, survived a high-stakes political purge, and is now betting big on the future of AI and social media.
People think they know him. They think he's just another royal with deep pockets. But if you look at how he actually moves his money through Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), it's clear he’s playing a much more strategic game than most realize.
The Ritz-Carlton Moment: It Wasn't What You Think
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. In November 2017, the world was stunned when Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al Saud was detained alongside dozens of other Saudi royals and businessmen. They were held at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh as part of an anti-corruption sweep led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Rumors flew. Was he losing his fortune? Was he being tortured?
Fast forward to early 2018, and he walked out. He looked a bit thinner, maybe a little more grey, but he was adamant that it was all a "misunderstanding." He signed a confidential settlement—most experts estimate it was in the billions—and went right back to work. While some thought this would be the end of his influence, it actually served as a pivot point. He didn't flee the country. Instead, he stayed and aligned himself with the "Vision 2030" plan that is currently transforming Saudi Arabia.
By 2022, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) even bought a 16.9% stake in his company, Kingdom Holding, for about $1.6 billion. It was a signal to the world: Alwaleed is still in the game.
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Where the Money Lives Now
If you want to understand the Prince, you have to look at the portfolio. He doesn't just buy "stuff." He buys into the infrastructure of modern life.
Kingdom Holding Company is currently valued at roughly $19 billion. That’s a massive number. But the variety of where that money is parked is what’s truly wild. We are talking about everything from the Four Seasons to Elon Musk’s latest AI venture.
The Tech Obsession
Alwaleed was an early believer in Twitter (now X). When Elon Musk decided to take the platform private, the Prince didn't cash out. He rolled over his $1.9 billion stake, making him one of the largest shareholders in the company.
But he didn't stop at social media.
In 2024 and heading into 2026, he’s been doubling down on Artificial Intelligence. Through KHC, he’s poured hundreds of millions into xAI, Musk’s AI startup. He’s essentially betting that the next "Gold Rush" isn't in oil, but in large language models and neural networks.
The "Sky-High" Ambition
Then there's the Jeddah Tower.
Construction on what is meant to be the world's tallest building (over 1,000 meters!) was stalled for years. People joked it would never be finished. But late in 2024, a massive $1.9 billion deal was signed with the Saudi Binladin Group to resume work. It's a massive ego project, sure, but it's also a literal monument to his persistence.
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Beyond the Billions: The Giving Pledge
One thing that often gets lost in the talk of net worth is his philanthropy. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al Saud was the first Arab Muslim to sign "The Giving Pledge." This is the commitment started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to give away the majority of their wealth.
He’s already put over $4 billion into social welfare projects.
His foundation, Alwaleed Philanthropies, doesn't just cut checks. They focus on specific, often controversial areas like empowering women in Saudi Arabia (he famously funded the training of the first female Saudi commercial pilot) and providing disaster relief in over 180 countries.
It’s a different kind of power. It’s not just about buying hotels; it’s about building a legacy that survives the volatile shifts of Middle Eastern politics.
The 2026 Reality: Is He Still the Top Dog?
As of early 2026, Forbes has him back on the billionaires list with a net worth hovering around $16.5 billion. He’s the richest Arab in the world again.
But the landscape has changed.
He’s no longer the only big player in the region. The rise of the PIF (Public Investment Fund) means he’s now often a partner with the government rather than a solo maverick. He’s adapted. He’s transitioned from the 1990s-style "hostile takeover" guy to a sophisticated tech and hospitality mogul who understands that in today's Saudi Arabia, you have to be part of the national vision to thrive.
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How to Track His Next Moves
If you’re looking to follow what he does next, don't just watch the news. Watch the "Tadawul" (the Saudi Stock Exchange). His company, Kingdom Holding, is listed there, and its filings are public.
Specifically, keep an eye on:
- The flynas IPO: His low-cost airline is a massive part of Saudi's tourism push.
- xAI Funding Rounds: He tends to follow Elon Musk into the fire.
- Jeddah Tower Milestones: If that building hits 500 meters this year, his real estate portfolio value will skyrocket.
Basically, Alwaleed is a survivor. He’s navigated the shift from old-school oil wealth to the new-school digital economy with more grace than his critics expected. Whether you like him or not, you can't ignore him.
To really get a feel for his strategy, you should look into the specific companies Kingdom Holding currently owns stakes in—like Citigroup or Accor. It’s a masterclass in diversification. You might find that your own retirement fund or the hotel you stayed in last summer is somehow connected to the Prince’s empire.