Prince Alwaleed Receives Former PM of Pakistan

HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) received at his office in Riyadh, H.E. Shaukat Aziz Former Prime Minister of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Mr. Shadi Sanbar, KHC’s CFO, Ms. Heba Fatani, Senior Executive Manager, Corporate Communications Department and Dr. Nahla Alanbar, Private Executive Assistant to HRH the chairman.

The meeting began as H.E. Shaukat Aziz thanked the Prince for giving him the opportunity to meet with him. During the meeting, the two discussed general issues related to their respective countries. The two also discussed a number of general local, regional issues and the global economic climate as well as philanthropic issues, in addition to HRH’s investments.

In December 2010, Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation that is chaired by Prince Alwaleed inaugurated the Art Exhibition ‘Perception’ that was held in the Embassy of Pakistan, the event was under the patronage of Her Highness. The exhibition showcased the works of five Pakistani artists, the substantial amount of the proceeds will go towards helping the flood victims in Pakistan. Princess Ameerah showed her support to the artists and victims of the floods with an SR162,000. The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, local artists, prominent businessmen and members of the Pakistani expatriate community.

The ceremony began as HE Mr. Umar Khan Alisherzai, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia welcomed Princess Ameerah to the art exhibition. The Ambassador extended his gratitude to Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation for its support on many occasions, and extended his special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the live televised campaign to help Pakistan’s victims. He added that the people of Pakistan were grateful to Saudi Arabia and its people who have continuously extended their support in times of need.

Moreover, Princess Ameerah thanked the Ambassador and his spouse for their warm hospitality, and said that she appreciated the work of the five Pakistani artist displayed at the gallery. The Princess took a keen interest in the paintings which were a hallmark of Pakistani art and were displayed for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Princess Ameerah said that Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation had extended assistance to various humanitarian projects in Pakistan. She also said that she along with Prince Alwaleed had personally visited Pakistan to deliver the relief goods to the flood victims.

Prince Alwaleed and Princess Ameerah, visited Pakistan arriving at Multan International Airport with 10 tons of relief aid in August 2010, and toured the flood affected areas. Upon their arrival, the Prince and Princess Ameerah were met by Prime Minister Gilani and his spouse, and HE Abdulaziz Alghadir, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan who toured the devastated areas with the Prince.

The 10 ton relief aid that was transported on HRH’s private plane consisted of 3,500 Malaria medicine, 20,000 Diarrhea medicine, 1,500 blankets and 1,000 sanitation kits, and the aid was handed to the concerned parties for distribution. Moreover, Helicopters were on standby to immediately transport Prince Alwaleed, Prime Minister Gilani and the accompanying delegation to get an aerial view of the destruction caused by the flood in the southern Punjab and Sindh. HRH and the Prime Minister toured the affected areas and visited the relief camps to witness at first hand the devastation.

Also in 2010, Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation made an immediate SR10 million donation for the flood victims of Pakistan that has affected 20 million people and left over 1600 homeless. The donation was announced live during the televised campaign to help Pakistan’s victims that was initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. The announcement was made by Dr. Sheikh Ali Al Nashwan.

Furthermore, Prince Alwaleed had received the Pakistani Ambassador prior to HRH’s visit to Pakistan. The Ambassador thanked HRH for the opportunity to meet and the Prince's SR 10 million donation for the flood victims of Pakistan. Moreover, the Ambassador described the suffering of those who were affected by the floods, the high death toll and vital need for aid to reach the victims. In response, the Prince expressed his condolences to the people and government of Pakistan and handed two letters to the Ambassador addressed to HE President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and HE Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan. Furthermore, HRH expressed his readiness to extend further assistance to Pakistan in any way he can and when needed.

Prince Alwaleed had contributed to a number of humanitarian causes in Pakistan. In 2005, HRH visited Pakistan on two occasions, the first was in March and the second visit later that year was to witness at first hand the earthquake hit areas of Pakistan. During his trip HRH was met by Mr. Shaukat Aziz former Pakistani PM and the two toured the devastated sites. His visit followed the announcement of a SR20 million donation to the earthquake victims. The two-fold donation comprised of tents, blankets, medicine and cash. The medical supplies were valued at SR5 million. HRH donated ten thousand tents valued at SR6 million and 30,000 blankets valued at SR3 million. The cash amounted to SR6 million. In addition to that donation, HRH also gave a donation to finance the construction of 20 schools in the affected areas during his visit.

During the trip to Pakistan in 2006, HRH was bestowed the Hilal-i-Pakistan honorary medal by the former President Musharraf during an official ceremony for conferment held at the President's residence (Aiwan-e-Sadr) in Islamabad.

Kingdom Holding Reports Net Income of SR 639.6 million

for the Year 2011 a 5.7% increase over 2010

Prince Alwaleed: “Kingdom Holding commences 2012 with strength & continues on its strategic investment path”

 Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) Chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, announced today Saturday, January 21, 2012 the Company’s financial results of operations for the fourth quarter and the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.  The Company announced the consolidated net income for twelve months totaled SR 639.6 million, an increase of 5.7%  over last year’s.

The Company is continuing to experience improving results from its hotel management companies and its owned hotels and associate companies and income on investments.

HRH Prince Alwaleed said: “Kingdom Holding commences 2012 with strength & continues on its strategic investment path.”

Kingdom Holding recently announced the continuation of its plan to pay cash dividends to its shareholders on quarterly basis which began in April of 2011.  Furthermore, the company is progressing with its two significant real estate Jeddah and Riyadh projects as planned.

Alwaleed Foundation Donates $55,360 to Maldivian Thalassemia Society, Maldives

Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global (Registered in Lebanon) chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud and vice chaired by HH Princess Ameerah Al–Taweel, donated $55,360 to the Maldivian Thalassemia Society, Maldives. Eng Nadia Bakhurji is the Secretary General of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation.

The Alwaleed Foundation’s grant was for the Capacity Building with the Maldivian Thalassaemia Society project “Prevention and Improved Management of Thalassaemia”. The society came into existence in the year 1994 with the sole purpose of improving and enhancing the quality of lives of Thalassemic in the Maldives. With the simple vision of enhancing the quality of life, its mission was to become the much needed support system for the Thalassemic children and their parents. Some of the programs run by the society include; supporting the families of Thalassemia through provision of filters and pumps, financial aid for bone marrow transplant, empowering families of Thalassemia and the public through provision of information and awareness via seminars, meetings, workshops, organizing fund raising activities and organizing social events for Thalassemics.

In 2010, Prince Alwaleed received at his office in Riyadh, HE Dr. Aminath Jameel, Maldivian Minister of Health. The two discussed general issues related to their respective countries. During the meeting, Dr. Jameel said one of her main reason for visiting Saudi Arabia was to gain knowledge that would assist her in developing the health system in her country. The Prince and the Minister also discussed the efforts of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation.

HRH’s philanthropic grants and donations over 70 countries ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe; from Gaza to The Gambia, totaling more than $2.4 billion over the last 30 years. HRH has established three Foundations to handle his philanthropic activities across the globe under the slogan “Commitment Without Boundaries”: Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation in Saudi Arabia, Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation in Lebanon, and Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global registered in Lebanon. His foundations work locally, regionally and internationally to combat poverty, strengthen interfaith and intercultural dialogue and empower women and youth.

Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation – Global works to provide women and youth in the MENA region with economic and educational opportunities, through strategic philanthropic investments in sustainable projects of the Foundation’s various partner organizations. It tackles poverty and provides rapid aid in cases of natural disasters internationally. The foundation also reframes perceptions of Islam and the West through dialogue, programs and educational centers around the world in order to promote a greater understanding between the different faiths and world views.

Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation encourages and supports organizations, studies, and academic centers focusing on empowering Saudi women, alleviating poverty, upgrading services provided to the population, enhancement of social infrastructures in the country. The foundation is also directly involved in major projects that provide direct aid to the citizens of Saudi Arabia ranging from medical aid to housing where hundreds of housing units have been provided to poor families as part of a 10 year project. Other projects the foundation is involved in include the distribution of electric generators to remote villages and, printing and the translation of the holy Quran into13 languages.

The “Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation”, is vice chaired H.E. Ms. Leila El Solh covers all the Lebanese humanitarian issues and provides medical and health assistance, social assistance to orphanages, infirmaries, prisoners and the disabled and educational and cultivation assistance for the development of projects in the economical and agricultural sectors across all communities in the Lebanon. The foundation was awarded the Pontifical Medal by Pope Benedict XVI during a ceremony to mark the occasion held at the Vatican in 2008. The medal was in recognition of the achievement and efforts made by the Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation for encouraging tolerance between the different religious faiths and social groups in Lebanon, and promoting religious dialogue. Moreover, the medal acknowledged the foundation’s philanthropic activities and support to those in need regardless of their background and creed. Ms. El Solh personally received the medal from the Pope at the Vatican.

Alwaleed Foundation Responds to Drought in Mauritania With a $500,000 Donation

HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation - Global (Registered in Lebanon), and vice chaired by HH Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, received at his office in Riyadh HE Dr. Mohamed Ould Mohamed Ould Abah, Ambassador of Mauritania to Saudi Arabia and HE Mr. Saudi Aljabri, Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania. The meeting was also attended by Princess Ameerah, Eng. Nadia Bakhurji, Secretary General, Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation and Dr. Nahla Alanbar, Private Executive Assistant to HRH the Chairman.

The meeting began as the Ambassador thanked Prince Alwaleed for giving him the opportunity to meet and discussed various issues on the philanthropic, humanitarian and social fronts. During the meeting, Prince Alwaleed announced the donation through the Alwaleed Foundation of $500,000 to support the UN World Food Program (WFP) to assist the Mauritanian people who are suffering from a drought that has affected the country; affecting just over %25 of the population. In conclusion, the Ambassador thanked HRH for his generous support to Mauritania through the Foundation. Alwaleed Foundation was the first to respond to the WFP’s emergency operation.

Previous donations made by Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation through the WFP include assisting 30,000 people residing in the southern region of Guinea Bissau with the drought in 2006 and in the same year a donation was made through WFP to assist 3.5 million people afflicted by the drought in Kenya in 2006.

The World Food Program (WFP) was established in 1961 and is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger worldwide.

In 2011, Prince Alwaleed and Princess Ameerah visited Mauritania and met with HE President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and the First Lady at the presidential palace in Nouakchott, Mauritania, the meeting was also attended by H.E. Dr. Sidi ould Altah, Minister of Economy and Development. During the visit, the President and Prince Alwaleed discussed humanitarian, social and investment issues. Also, the President awarded Prince Alwaleed the “Medal of Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit” which is the highest honor conferred by the Mauritanian President, in appreciation of his visit to the country. Moreover, the President and the First Lady hosted a dinner in the honor of Prince Alwaleed and Princess Ameerah.

Also in 2011, HRH received at his office in Riyadh the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development of Mauritania, HE Dr. Sidi Ould Bibha Tah. Prince Alwaleed had previously visited the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott; during the visit HRH was welcomed by the government and people of Mauritania.

HRH’s philanthropic grants and donations over 70 countries ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe; from Gaza to The Gambia, totaling more than $2.4 billion over the last 30 years. HRH has established three Foundations to handle his philanthropic activities across the globe under the slogan “Commitment Without Boundaries”: Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation in Saudi Arabia Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation in Lebanon, and Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global registered in Lebanon. His foundations work locally, regionally and internationally to combat poverty, strengthen interfaith and intercultural dialogue and empower women and youth.

Prince Alwaleed Receives Former Canadian PM

Kingdom Holding, Largest Investor in Canada through Four Seasons & Fairmont

HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) received at his office in Riyadh, The Rt Hon. Martin Brian Mulroney former Canadian Prime Minister. The meeting was attended by Dr. Nahla Alanbar, Private Executive Assistant to HRH the Chairman. 

The meeting began as Prince Alwaleed cordially received Rt Hon. Martin Brian Mulroney who thanked HRH for his reception. During the meeting, the two discussed a number of economic and investment issues, including the Prince’s investments in Canada through KHC. Kingdom Holding Company is the largest investor in Canada through Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI). Furthermore, the former PM expressed that his government warmly welcomes HRH to further invest in Canada, and explore investment opportunities there. Mr. Mulroney also expressed his hope that His Highness’s visit will further strengthen economic bi-lateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada.

Kingdom Holding Company holds a 47.5% stake in the Four Seasons which is co-owned by Bill Gates’ Cascade with a 47.5% stake, and 5% is owned by Isadore Sharp.

In 2010, Prince Alwaleed received at his office in Riyadh, The Hon Peter Van Loan, Canadian Minister of International Trade and an accompanying delegation. In the same year, KHC announced an US$847 Million Transaction with Qatari Diar involving FRHI. Under the agreements, Voyager Partners Limited (Voyager) has acquired for a combination of cash and other consideration a 40% shareholding in FRHI. In addition, QD Hotel & Property Investment Limited (QDHP) has undertaken to provide FRHI with a number of future management contracts for hotels that will be branded either Fairmont, Raffles or Swissotel. In 2006, Kingdom and Colony completed the acquisition of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts which was combined with the Raffles Hotels Group. In addition, Prince Alwaleed’s investment in the banking sector in Canada via Kingdom Holding is through Citigroup.