Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud

Lore & Background

Al Waleed bin Talal was born in Jeddah to Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz and Mona El Solh. His paternal grandfather was King Abdulaziz, the first king of Saudi Arabia, and his maternal grandfather was Riad Al Solh, Lebanon's first prime minister. His parents separated when he was seven, and he lived with his mother in Lebanon. He later acquired United Saudi Commercial Bank and merged it with other banks to create a leading Middle Eastern bank. He also invested in Apple Inc., Four Seasons, Fairmont, the Plaza Hotel, and Paris' Four Seasons Hotel George V.

Reader's Guide

Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud is a significant figure in global finance and Saudi business, known for his strategic investments in distressed but established brands. The lack of current information after his release led to his removal from Forbes' billionaire list, leaving uncertainty about his financial standing. Al Waleed's career illustrates both the opportunities and risks of high-stakes investing in a politically charged environment.

Did You Know?

• Al Waleed is a grandson of both King Abdulaziz, the first king of Saudi Arabia, and Riad Al Solh, Lebanon's first prime minister.