RIYADH: Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, detained in the kingdom’s sweeping crackdown on corruption, said on Saturday that he expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing and released from custody within days, with his vast assets intact.
Prince Alwaleed was speaking in an exclusive interview with Reuters at his suite in Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel, transformed into a luxurious prison to hold tycoons and royals.
He has been confined there for more than two months along with dozens of other suspects, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s bold plan to consolidate control and reform oil superpower Saudi Arabia.
It was the first time the prince, one of the nation’s most prominent businessmen, has spoken publicly since his detention.
Prince Alwaleed said he was continuing to maintain his innocence of any corruption in talks with authorities. He said he expected to keep full control of his global investment firm Kingdom Holding Co. without being required to give up assets to the government.
’Misunderstanding’
He described his confinement as a misunderstanding and said he supports reform efforts by the crown prince, known as MbS.
Prince Alwaleed was an early advocate of women’s employment in Saudi Arabia and a lifting of the ban on women driving. In September, King Salman ordered that the restriction should be lifted next year.
“There are no charges. There are just some discussions between me and the government,” he said in the interview, conducted shortly after midnight. “I believe we are on the verge of finishing everything within days.”
Prince Alwaleed appeared grayer and thinner than in his last public appearance, a television interview in late October, and had grown a beard while in detention.
“I have nothing to hide at all. I’m so comfortable, I’m so relaxed. I shave here, like at home. My barber comes here. I’m like at home, frankly speaking,” he said.
“I told the government I’d stay as much as they want, because I want the truth to come out on all my dealings and on all things that are around me.”
The flamboyant prince, in his 60s, is the face of Saudi business for many foreigners, often appearing on international television covering his diverse investments and lifestyle.
A 30-minute interview, including a tour of his suite, was granted largely in order to disprove rumors of mistreatment and of being moved from the hotel to a prison.
Prince Alwaleed showed off the comforts of his gold-accented private office, dining room and kitchen, which was fully stocked with his preferred vegetarian meals.
In the corner of his office sat tennis shoes, which he said he used regularly for exercise. A television played business news programs, and a mug with an image of his own face on it was perched on the desk.
The release of Prince Alwaleed, whose net worth has been estimated by Forbes magazine at $17 billion, is likely to reassure investors in his global business empire as well as in the Saudi economy broadly.
Directly or indirectly through Kingdom Holding, he holds stakes in firms such as Twitter Inc. and Citigroup Inc. , and has invested in top hotels including the George V in Paris and the Plaza in New York.
Dozens of princes, senior officials and top businessmen were detained when Crown Prince Mohammed launched his purge in early November, shocking Saudis who never imagined the business elite or royalty could come under close scrutiny.
Allegations against Prince Alwaleed included money laundering, bribery and extorting officials, a Saudi official told Reuters at the time.
He is also known for his outspoken views on politics — making headlines in 2015 when he called Donald Trump a “disgrace” on Twitter during the US election campaign.
The prince said he was able to communicate with family members and executives at his business during his time in detention.
Asked why he ended up held in the hotel and became one of its longest-serving detainees, he said:
“There’s a misunderstanding and it’s being cleared. So I’d like to stay here until this thing is over completely and get out and life goes on.”
“We have now a new leadership in Saudi Arabia, and they just want to cross all the Ts and dot all the Is. And I said: ‘Fine, that’s fine with me, no problem at all. Just go ahead.’“
Authorities said they aimed to reach financial settlements with most suspects and believed they could raise some $100 billion for the government this way — a huge windfall for the state, which has seen its finances squeezed by low oil prices.
In recent days there have been signs the purge is winding down. Several other prominent businessmen, including Waleed Al-Ibrahim, owner of regional television network MBC, have been released, an official source told Reuters on Friday. Terms of any settlement were not revealed.
Prince Alwaleed said his own case was taking longer to conclude because he was determined to clear his name completely, but he believed the case was now 95 percent finished.
The prince said he was particularly upset by media reports that he had been sent to prison and tortured.
“It’s very unfortunate. I was planning to do an interview when I got out, which I think will be imminently.
“But I decided to accelerate the process and accept this interview today because these various rumors took place. They’re unacceptable completely. They are just a bunch of lies.”
After freedom, the prince said, he plans to continue living in Saudi Arabia and getting back to the high-paced and complex challenge of juggling his global interests.
“I will not leave Saudi Arabia, for sure. This is my country. I have my family, my children, my grandchildren here. I have my assets here. My allegiance is not on the table.”
Detained Saudi billionaire Alwaleed confident his troubles will end soon
Detained Saudi billionaire Alwaleed confident his troubles will end soon
Jeddah’s cultural canvas bursts into life for Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel
- Guests can also enjoy traditional board games, live music and Ramadan-inspired culinary offerings
- Free and open to all, Ramadan Nights also offers a shopping experience at the cultural markets
JEDDAH: Following the popularity of last year’s program, Ramadan Nights by Art Jameel have returned for a month of cultural celebration at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.
Running until March 29 from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, it is held under the slogan “Hayy lights up,” and features a range of activities including public programs, craft-inspired bazaars, pop-up eateries, film screenings and hands-on workshops exploring handicrafts, wellness and heritage.
Guests can also enjoy traditional board games, live music and Ramadan-inspired culinary offerings.
Uns Kattan, deputy director and head of learning and research at Art Jameel, said that the debut program last year welcomed more than 40,000 visitors of diverse ages and backgrounds. “This year, we recognize the thirst and passion for the community-focused program and created more opportunities that embody the spirit of togetherness, creativity and cultural exchange,” she said.
“Through a dynamic program that focuses on craft, film and storytelling, we celebrate the holy month by bringing people together in an inspiring and inclusive space that bridges the wide spectrum of creative endeavors under one roof.”
Free and open to all, Ramadan Nights also offers a shopping experience at the cultural markets. One of the highlights of this year’s program was Jebna Al-Eid, which took place from March 2-4, and Ramadaniyat Lavendar, which concluded on March 8. These markets, set across Rukn Hayy, Fenaa Hayy and Saha (the community courtyard), were a blend of local eateries, artisanal products and the sounds of Oud melodies, creating a lively atmosphere.
Ghada Khalid, co-founder of Lavender Events, told Arab News that Ramadaniyat Lavender presents a selection of products, from fashion items such as dresses, abayas and traditional wear, to a diverse food area featuring Mexican, Italian sweets, Uzbekistani cuisine, specialty coffee and desserts.
“This year, we introduced a makeover offer that can be used for Eid. Through this festival, we reach a diverse audience, catering to their needs and helping them experience the true essence of Ramadan,” she said.
Abeer Dahlawi, founder of Muse, an arts, culture and entertainment center, said: “We are here at Ramadan Nights to create an enjoyable experience for everyone, offering traditional games like carrom, chess and dominoes. Our goal is to encourage people to have fun, connect and socialize with one another.”
At the Hayy Markets, curated bazaars showcase a mix of books, fashion, artisanal crafts and design pieces that promote local creativity.
Meanwhile, the pop-up eateries, located at Saha and Rukn Hayy, offer a range of local and fusion-inspired cuisine, featuring notable names such as Aysh Academy, Sofia’s Bistro and Cookie Boo.
Visitors can also enjoy the Hayy Cinema experience, which features screenings of the “My Heritage” short film series. These films tell different stories about World Heritage sites in the Arab region and are screened repeatedly from 10 p.m. onwards.
Kattan highlighted that the special programming throughout the month includes handicraft and cultural workshops, where participants can explore heritage through interactive sessions such as lino-cut printmaking using Hejazi patterns, traditional crafts by local and refugee artisans, and Arabic calligraphy.
There will also be community talks on topics ranging from Jeddah’s history and Ramadan rituals to mental health and healing. These discussions are led by experts and provide both informative and enriching experiences for attendees.
For younger visitors, the Hayy Explorers program offers an interactive experience from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring storytelling, arts and crafts. Meanwhile, the Hayy Arts and Studios section highlights contemporary art with group exhibitions such as “We Saw an Endless Cycle” and “Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine,” as well as open studios and workshops hosted by Jeddah-based creatives.
Dalia Rahman, who was visiting with her friends, said: “The atmosphere here is so welcoming. We came to shop for Eid dresses and found unique designs that aren’t available in regular stores. During Ramadan, I prefer to focus on worship and prayer rather than spending time in malls. This place offers everything in one spot while also celebrating cultural and traditional activities.”
Saudi crown prince receives written message from Eritrean president
- Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the message at the Foreign Ministry’s office headquarters
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Sunday a written message from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, in relation to their countries’ ties.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the minister of foreign affairs, received the written message at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs Osman Saleh handed the message to Prince Faisal during a meeting that discussed issues of common interest to Saudi Arabia and Eritrea.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji and other senior officials attended the meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi ministry distributes 29,000 copies of Qur’an to Umrah pilgrims
- Pilgrims said a copy of Qur’an in their languages will accompany them long after returning home
- They praised the warm welcome and commended the Saudi leadership’s efforts to serve Islam and Muslims
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance distributed tens of thousands of copies of the Holy Qur’an to Umrah pilgrims arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Sunday.
The ministry distributed 29,000 copies of the Qur’an in Arabic and other languages to the new arrivals, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The King Fahd Complex for Printing published the copies in Madinah.
Pilgrims visiting to perform the Umrah expressed their joy upon arriving in the Kingdom, praising the warm welcome and commending the Saudi leadership’s efforts to serve Islam and Muslims.
Several noted that a copy of the Holy Qur’an in their language is a valuable gift and will accompany them long after returning home, the SPA added.
KAUST develops robotic system to Improve date palm harvesting
- By operating and collecting data, the robots will improve their productivity by enhancing their capabilities for many of the tasks associated with date farming
RIYADH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is developing a new robotic system designed to automate date palm harvesting.
The related research, led by KAUST Assistant Prof. Shinkyu Park, focuses on automating key processes in date farming, such as harvesting, pollination and tree maintenance through artificial intelligence-powered robotics, and promises to produce larger yields of more nutritious dates.
In a press release, Park said the study sees the robots starting as apprentices and gradually honing their skills in date farming routines, quickly becoming experts.
Park aims to have his robotic farmers handle dates of various sizes and firmness while maximizing the harvest rate.
By operating and collecting data, the robots will improve their productivity by enhancing their capabilities for many of the tasks associated with date farming.
Field trials are scheduled to begin during the 2025 harvest season, with full operational capability expected within three years.
Park suggested that a robots-as-a-service business model, in which companies offer the use of their robots on a subscription contract basis, could allow smaller farmers to benefit from the technology without the burden of purchasing the robots outright.
“We are developing robotics technologies that support national interests. Our cost-effective automation solutions for the date palm industry are just one example,” Park added.
According to the press release, the robotic arms of the system will be able to move as quickly as a human farmer while precisely picking each date without damage — to itself or the fruit. By equipping them with high-precision visual sensors, the robotic farmers can distinguish individual dates, flowers, and tree structures to execute various farming tasks like harvesting, spraying, and pruning, which ensures the health, productivity, and longevity of the trees and reduces the risk of pest infestations and diseases.
Dates have been central to the Saudi diet for thousands of years. It is a major food product, with the value of date exports by the Kingdom increasing 10 percent between 2023 and 2024 and another 10 percent between 2023 and 2024, according to the press release.
The project is just one of many at KAUST that will benefit date farming and food security. At the end of 2024, the National Center for Palms and Dates signed an agreement to fund SR100 million ($25 million) to KAUST for innovations in the data sector
“I’m excited that this initiative extends beyond engineering solutions and cultivates research and development opportunities for local talent, contributing to the long-term sustainable educational and economic growth of the Kingdom,” Park said.
Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla: Stunning rock formations and a thriving habitat for wildlife
RIYADH: The Sharaan Nature Reserve stands as one of the most prominent natural landmarks in AlUla, spanning an area of 1,500 sq. km. It is distinguished by its unique rock formations shaped over millions of years, which create breathtaking landscapes that reflect the region’s geological heritage.
The reserve is included in efforts by the Royal Commission for AlUla to protect the environment and wildlife. It provides a safe habitat for many endangered species, including the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, Arabian gazelle, hare, wolves and birds of prey that nest in its rocky heights.
Sharaan Reserve is an ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts, offering opportunities to explore its stunning rock formations, embark on safari trips, hike mountainous trails and camp amid its remarkable terrain.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a unique experience surrounded by red rocks, sloping valleys, vast desert plains and scattered rocky plateaus, allowing direct interaction with nature and up-close exploration of its beauty.
The reserve also includes qualified teams trained by international wildlife conservation experts. They work around the clock to efficiently monitor and manage protected areas, implement surveillance programs, combat illegal hunting, and raise awareness among local communities about the importance of environmental preservation and ecosystem sustainability.
