Alwaleed Bin Talal: Architect of a $16.5 billion fortune

Alwaleed Bin Talal returned to the top of Saudi Arabia’s billionaires list in 2025 with an estimated net worth of $16.5 billion. This is not just a number — it’s a testament to an investment strategy spanning from the stars of Silicon Valley to symbols of modern Arabia. The Saudi prince, born in 1955, is more than just a billionaire — he’s a global investor whose portfolio is reshaping the landscape of international business.

Kingdom Holding Company: The Foundation of Alwaleed Bin Talal’s Empire

At the core of Alwaleed Bin Talal’s wealth is Kingdom Holding Company, a conglomerate founded 45 years ago, in which the prince owns 78.13% of shares valued at approximately $6.4 billion. Over more than four decades, Kingdom Holding has transformed into one of the Middle East’s largest investment forces, managing a portfolio worth $19 billion (as of the end of 2024).

The group’s strategy is based on three pillars: financial stocks and investments, real estate, and the hospitality sector. However, this simplification doesn’t capture the true complexity of its operations. The portfolio actually spans 18 smaller sectors — from financial services, entertainment, aviation, energy, artificial intelligence, to education and healthcare. It’s a diversification on a global scale.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) made a significant investment, acquiring a 16.9% stake in Kingdom Holding for $1.6 billion, further strengthening the group’s position as a major regional investment player.

Technology and the Future: Playing for Higher Stakes

In technology, Kingdom Holding is the second-largest shareholder in social network X (formerly Twitter) and in Elon Musk’s xAI. This is no coincidence — Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal supported Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and maintains a significant stake.

Last year, Kingdom Holding increased its investment in xAI to $800 million through Series B and C funding rounds. When Musk announced the merger of X and xAI in March this year, valuing the new entity at $125 billion, Alwaleed saw not just a transaction but a confirmation of his vision. He forecasts that his investment in this joint venture could reach $4 to $5 billion in the near future.

Beyond xAI, Kingdom Holding is expanding its involvement in the tech ecosystem, with stakes in giants like Meta, Uber, Didi, and Lyft. This demonstrates an understanding of global market trends and the ability to identify future winners.

Real Estate and Hotels: Building Arabia’s Future

The hospitality sector accounts for nearly 31% of the investment portfolio, with Four Seasons as a flagship asset. Alwaleed Bin Talal owns 23.7% of this luxury hotel chain — a result of a long-term joint venture with Bill Gates’s fund. Previously, his stake was 47.5%, but in 2021 he sold half to Gates for $2.21 billion, showing a pragmatic approach to capital allocation.

Additionally, Kingdom Holding controls 6.8% of Accor, the French hotel group with over 40 brands, including prestigious names like Fairmont, Raffles, and Sofitel.

Real estate makes up 25.9% of the portfolio and includes iconic projects like the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh. But the most ambitious project is Jeddah Tower — a structure set to surpass 1,000 meters, becoming the tallest building in the world. The total value of contracts related to this project amounts to $1.9 billion, reflecting Alwaleed Bin Talal’s grand vision for Saudi Arabia’s future.

Finance and Traditional Assets

Alwaleed Bin Talal’s investment history with Citigroup dates back to 1991, when he invested $800 million — a decision that yielded $10 billion by 2005. It’s a lesson that can serve any investor. Today, Kingdom Holding owns 1.06% of Citigroup and is the largest shareholder in Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) with a 16.2% stake, worth about $1.8 billion.

Aviation and Expansion

Aviation is a key area of expansion. Kingdom Holding owns 37.2% of low-cost airline Flynas, which currently operates 61 aircraft. According to Alwaleed Bin Talal’s social media announcement, Flynas plans to go public on Tadawul with at least $2 billion in proceeds, confirming the strategy of turning private assets into public instruments.

New Horizons: Education and Healthcare

In healthcare, Kingdom Holding owns 4.9% of Dallah Health and operates Kingdom Hospital and a network of private clinics — sectors representing about 2.2% of the investment portfolio. In education, the group controls 89.8% of Kingdom Schools, which saw a 14% increase in student numbers last year, indicating potential for further investment and expansion.

Summary: Alwaleed Bin Talal’s Investment Philosophy

Alwaleed Bin Talal’s return to the top of Saudi Arabia’s billionaire list is no coincidence. It’s the result of a consistent strategy of diversification, combining emerging trends with traditional assets, and the ability to identify future opportunities. From technology to hotels, from Jeddah Tower to Flynas — each investment is part of a larger plan to transform Saudi business on the global stage.