Saudi business magnate Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud was among the recipients of the Gieh ir-Repubblika awards during the Republic Day ceremony this morning.

Prince Al-Waleed's private jet arriving at Malta International Airport. Photo: Roberto CassarPrince Al-Waleed's private jet arriving at Malta International Airport. Photo: Roberto Cassar

He was honoured for his contribution to strengthen friendship between Malta and Saudi Arabia.

"Prince Alwaleed has for many years had a special interest in Malta and relations with our country are high on his agenda," the official honours booklet said.

Prince Al-Waleed, who is a member of the royal family, arrived in Malta this morning on his private jet - a Boeing 747 - and was taken on a tour of Barrakka Gardens and Manoel Island.

He is worth some $31 billion and has been ranked as the most influential Arab in the world.

Other recipients included Corinthia chairman Alfred Pisani, who was nominated Officer along with Fr Marius Zerafa OP, and former Nasdaq stock exchange chairman Frank Zarb, who was made honorary officer.

Photo: Mark Paul BrockdorffPhoto: Mark Paul Brockdorff

Prince Al-Waleed has a 95 per cent stake in Kingdom Holding Company. KHC’s portfolio has its main interests in local and international investments that include landmark hotel properties, hotel management companies, real estate, financial services, technology, media, entertainment, retail, agriculture, petrochemicals and aviation.

Landmark hotel properties include the George V in Paris, the newly renovated Fairmont Plaza in New York City and The Savoy in London, in addition to the Fairmont in San Francisco and Four Seasons in Toronto.

The international investment portfolio also contains many blue-chip companies including Citigroup, News Corporation, Twitter, Time Warner, Apple Inc, Walt Disney Co., Disney Land, Paris and others.

 

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