Great Habits and Philosophy

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is a Saudi royal and a globally renowned investor who has exerted significant influence on international finance beyond the Middle East. Rather than relying solely on oil wealth, he is widely regarded as a self-made investor who expanded his fortune through strategic global investments. Through his investment firm, Kingdom Holding Company, he has held stakes in major global corporations such as Citigroup, Apple, Disney, Twitter, and Four Seasons Hotels, generating substantial returns.

His day begins early in the morning. He starts with dawn prayer, followed by light exercise and reading to prepare his mind before beginning work. He remains highly sensitive to fluctuations in global markets and makes it a habit to personally review major financial newspapers and corporate reports every day. He also emphasizes direct communication with key executives, engaging in in-depth discussions about the philosophy and long-term vision of potential investment targets.

Prince Alwaleed’s business philosophy centers on a balance between risk-taking and intuition. He makes bold decisions when opportunities arise, but only after thorough analysis and careful coordination. This approach reflects his effort to balance Islamic values of moderation with the speed of modern capitalism. Notably, he evaluates investments not only by profitability but also by their potential cultural influence, demonstrating his belief that wealth should convey meaningful messages to the world.

Favorite Foods and Dining Style

Prince Alwaleed’s culinary preferences bridge tradition and modernity. He enjoys traditional Arab dishes such as mandi (spiced rice with lamb), hummus, and baba ghanoush, while also remaining open to Western-style healthy cuisine. He favors vegetable-based meals with moderate protein intake and generally avoids excessive fat and sugar.

His mealtimes are calm and orderly. The dining table is always neatly arranged, and he eats slowly and mindfully, treating meals almost as a form of meditation. He values deep conversation with those who dine with him, often using shared meals to build trust in business relationships. At times, he hosts private dinners with global business leaders as a means of cultural exchange.

More than the food itself, he values the balance and communication inherent in the act of dining. He avoids using smartphones during meals and expresses gratitude for each dish. This reflects his Islamic values and a life philosophy grounded in moderation, mindfulness, and reverence in everyday routines.

Love and Philosophy of Human Relationships

His philosophy of human relationships is founded on respect and responsibility. He has been married twice and maintains strong bonds with his children, placing great importance on family life. Although he keeps his private life relatively discreet, he deeply values time spent with family. He emphasizes economic independence and social responsibility to his children, believing that passing on values is more important than passing on wealth.

He also strives to maintain horizontal relationships with employees. Despite his royal status, those who have met him often describe him as remarkably humble. He makes an effort to remember names, attend to personal circumstances, and regularly engage in conversations with staff members.

In addition, he is highly active in philanthropy. From education and healthcare to poverty alleviation and international disaster relief, he seeks to uphold an identity as both a devout Muslim and a global citizen. This reflects his belief that human relationships extend beyond blood ties or business interests to a broader sense of communal responsibility.

Lessons We Can Learn

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is a figure who focuses not on the circumstances of birth, but on how one chooses to live. Rather than relying on his royal background, he forged his own path and earned global recognition as an investor. His journey demonstrates how far individual potential can extend beyond the boundaries of tradition.

The lesson we can learn from him is clear: humility and moderation, strategy and intuition, and above all, living by one’s own philosophy define true wealth. By using his fortune not to dominate others but to connect and benefit the world, he presents a profound example of genuine leadership.