Exclusive Forbes Middle East Interview with HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud On Power, Tariffs & The New World Order

 In a landmark conversation at Kingdom Center Tower in Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud sat down exclusively with Forbes Middle East, offering rare and timely insights into the implications of a potential second Trump presidency, the mounting risks of global economic instability, and the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence—while reflecting on why true legacy goes beyond wealth.

As Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company and the world’s richest Arab, Prince Alwaleed shared his perspectives on trade wars, AI dominance, and the evolving definition of leadership in an increasingly complex world.

The Prince, who shares a personal acquaintance with the U.S. President Donald Trump, spoke candidly: “These tariffs are tantamount to paralysis. A 145% tariff on China? That’s not negotiation—that’s a freeze in trade.” While acknowledging Trump’s political instincts, he issued a stark warning about the risks of economic brinkmanship: “This could’ve triggered not just a recession, but a worldwide depression.”

Prince Alwaleed shared why he continues to back Elon Musk, even amid recent criticism of Tesla. “When Musk took over Twitter, I didn’t cash out—I doubled down,” he said. “We’re betting on the right horse. That horse is Musk.”

He confirmed a recent two-hour investor call with Musk discussing a potential merger between X and xAI: “He’s managing business and politics—and doing both. I was on the call. It’s happening.”

On artificial intelligence, Prince Alwaleed stressed its sweeping impact across sectors: “AI will impact every industry. If you don’t adapt, you’ll be left behind.” He also recalled a conversation with Bill Gates about the disruption of both white- and blue-collar jobs: “New opportunities must be created. This is only the first inning of the revolution.”

Turning to Saudi Arabia’s current transformation, Prince Alwaleed described it as both historic and personal: “This is a revolution—and we are back to normal,” he said, referring to the Kingdom’s sweeping social reforms. He praised Vision 2030, identifying tourism and mineral wealth as the Kingdom’s new economic engines. “We have everything here—the beaches, the valleys, the archaeology. And it’s working. We’re already welcoming tens of millions of tourists… without alcohol.”

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in the country’s shift toward economic diversification: “We are creating new income streams, and I believe that within five years, Saudi Arabia’s budget will be powered by non-oil revenues.”

In a moment of humility, when asked about reclaiming the top spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s richest Arabs, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal responded not with fanfare, but with a verse from the Quran: “This is from the grace of my Lord. ‘If you are grateful, I will increase you [in favor].’” When asked what wealth and power mean to him, he answered simply: “Blessing. I’m just the middleman—it came from God, and it goes back to God.”

He also revealed that he has already donated $5 billion through Alwaleed Philanthropies, underscoring his long-standing commitment to giving. “I began charity on the same day I began business—January 1st, 1980,” he said.

Prince Alwaleed remains one of the Kingdom’s earliest and most outspoken advocates for women’s equality. “There are no employees here—only members. And 55% of them are women. No discussion,” he stated firmly.

For the Prince, leadership means unlocking potential: “My job as a leader is to show people the potential in themselves they didn’t know existed.”

As Saudi Arabia’s youth rises to the forefront of transformation, Prince Alwaleed offers clear advice: “Our society is young—and incredibly empowered. With AI and the internet, they know everything. Stay attentive and move with speed.”