HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) and Chairman of Alwaleed Philanthropies, attended “The Emirs Sword” equestrian race in response to an invitation from HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. Prince Alwaleed was accompanied by Mr. Mr. Fahad Alsukait, CEO of Rotana Group and Alarab News Channel, Mr. Jamal Khashoggi, General Manager Alarab News Channel, Ms. Hassna Alturki, Executive Manager for International Relations to HRH the Chairman, Mr. Fahad Bin Nafel, Senior Executive Assistant to HRH the Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Altobaishi, Executive Assistant to HRH the Chairman and Ms. Reem Almarshad, Coordinator, Travel & External Affairs Department.
During the meeting, HH Sheikh Tamim and Prince Alwaleed discussed the warm friendship between their two countries, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and referred to a number of political, economic, investment and social issues. The meeting touched upon the latest developments in the GCC and globally, as well as Prince Alwaleed’s investments in alliance with Qatar through KHC in various sectors.
Moreover, Prince Alwaleed, through KHC, has a solid investment relationship with the Qatari government. KHC recently announced that Katara Hospitality, owned by the Government of Qatar, and Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (“FRHI”), have together acquired the 50 per cent stake in the iconic London landmark, The Savoy, that was held by Lloyds Banking Group. The famous London hotel is now jointly owned by KHC and the Government of Qatar.
In 2014, Prince Alwaleed visited Qatar and met with HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani at the Castle of Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Thani. Also during the visit, Prince Alwaleed attended the Charitable Gala dinner of the Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) Initiative, titled “Plant a Book” that was held in Doha in the presence of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifah Al Thani, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of ROTA. Alwaleed Philanthropies, contributed to ROTA and in support of its “You Can” education project in Pakistan.
During the Gala dinner, Prince Alwaleed received the "Lifetime Achievement" award that was awarded by HH Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad in recognition of the devotion and sincerity wielded by His Highness in philanthropy and sustainable development on both global and regional scales.
During the trip in 2011, Prince Alwaleed attended the 4th Charity Gala Dinner “Reach out to Asia” (ROTA) with HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al Missned, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation on behalf of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Moreover, Alwaleed Philanthropies made a contribution during the occasion to ROTA’s core operations for the building of schools in rural and poor areas in Asia. In 2005, Prince Alwaleed made a contribution through Alwaleed Philanthropies during the charity dinner ceremony held in Doha to aid afflicted areas in Asia as part of the Helping Hands Initiative for Asia.
In 2010, entities controlled by the Qatari government became a significant investor in Fairmont. Through their strategic alliance, KHC and Qatar are the only shareholders of the company.
Furthermore, His Highness’s indirect investments in hotels through KHC in Qatar include the management of the Four Seasons Doha, Movenpick Doha and Movenpick Doha Tower and Suites, and in the financial sector through Citigroup. Furthermore, Raffles manages the Le Royal Monceau in Paris that is owned by Qatar.