Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud (born 7 March 1955) is a Saudi Arabian businessman and investor. He the grandson of King Abdulazziz Saudi royal family. He is the founder, CEO, and 95%-owner[4] of the Kingdom Holding Company. Arabian Business ranked him as the most influential Arab in the world.[5]In March 2013, Forbes
listed Al Waleed as the 26th-richest man in the world, with an
estimated net worth of US $20 Billion. Prince al Waleed disputes the Forbes valuation, and believes his wealth to be $26 billion.[2] Bloomberg later estimated his wealth as $30 billion.[6] Arabian Business Magazine estimated his wealth at $31.2B in December 2013
Charitable activities
Much of the charitable activities of Al Waleed are in the field of
educational initiatives to bridge gaps between Western and Islamic
communities. Over the years, he has funded a number of centers of
American studies in universities in the Middle East and centers of
Islamic studies in Western universities, which has given rise to
concerns about their academic autonomy from Campus Watch and Jewish American interest groups
Palestinians
In 2002, Al Waleed donated £18.5 million to the families of Palestinians during a TV telethon following Israeli operations in the West Bank city of Jenin. The telethon was ordered by Saudi King Fahd to help relatives of Palestinian martyrs.
The Saudi government maintained the term "martyrs" referred to
"Palestinians [who are] victimized by Israeli terror and violence."[35]
Phillips Academy
In 2002, Al Waleed donated $500,000 to help fund the George Herbert Walker Bush Scholarship at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.[19]
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
In 2004, Al Waleed contributed $17 million to victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.[35]
Western Universities
On 8 May 2008, he gave £16m to Edinburgh University to fund the "centre for the study of Islam in the contemporary world."[36]
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