The 'Sleeping Prince' Returns: Al-Waleed bin Talal Steps Back Into the Spotlight
A Saudi billionaire stepping onto a stage is enough to turn heads—especially when it’s Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, once dubbed the 'Warren Buffett of Arabia.' After months of reduced public activity, the 69-year-old financier made a high-profile return to the business scene, quickly sparking a media flurry and plenty of speculation in financial circles.
His reemergence comes with a fresh entry on Forbes' billionaire list for 2025, boasting a fortune of $16.5 billion. That’s not just a comeback—it marks him again as the wealthiest Arab globally, solidifying a reputation built on decades of daring investments and calculated bets.
A Billionaire Life Marked by Highs, Lows, and Unmatched Influence
Al-Waleed’s story is almost cinematic. From acquiring stakes in companies like Citigroup and Twitter to steering the sprawling Kingdom Holding Company, he’s been a central figure in Middle Eastern and international business for years. His business acumen earned him seats at top tables and the ear of global leaders. A fortune that big doesn’t come quietly, and neither do the controversies or curiosity that swirl around his every move.
Yet despite rumors and his son’s widely publicized tragic condition—Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known as the 'Sleeping Prince,' has been in a coma since a car accident in 2005—the elder prince has always walked his own path. The public often confuses the two due to the similarity in names, but the billionaire’s return to the spotlight has nothing to do with his son’s situation. Instead, it’s all about resuming a high-powered role in business, even as Kingdom Holding Company faces an ever-changing landscape.
The reaction? Applause, but also expectation. While the exact event that triggered this renewed media attention is murky—whether it was a major investment announcement or simply a public appearance at a major conference—the buzz is unmistakable. In the close-knit world of Gulf finance, a figure like Al-Waleed’s return signals shifting winds, both in boardrooms and beyond. He’s a reminder of how influence and capital walk hand in hand in this part of the world.
Insiders say his presence alone can steer market conversations, encourage risk-taking, and attract international partnerships to the region. Dollar signs follow in his wake, but it’s the reputation for both boldness and resilience that really sets him apart. Even after periods out of the spotlight, Al-Waleed knows how to make a dramatic entrance—and the world is always keen to watch what he’ll do next.
