Saudi Prince Wealth
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” [Luke 12:15]
Luxury took on new dimensions when Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal signed a deal to buy the world’s first and largest privately owned Airbus 380 aircraft. Prince Waleed, billed as the 13th richest person in the world, emerged from his personal 747 to purchase the new A-380. The end-to-end double-decker behemoth has twice the space of the 747. The Saudi Arabian business tycoon plans to have the corporate jet converted into a virtual “flying palace” with private suites, board room, theater, and much more. It incorporates all of the most modern amenities to ensure maximum comfort and luxury. In keeping with the Middle Eastern custom, the design is expected to create separate living areas within the aircraft for men, women, and staff. The deal is valued at $319 million before any of the customizing interior work is done.
Al Waleed already owns a 282-foot yacht called the Kingdom 5KR, which he bought from Donald Trump for $40 million. He has ordered a 550-foot yacht worth $500 million and will name it New Kingdom 5KR. He travels between his private jets and yachts by driving one of his 38 cars. The most recent automobile the Saudi prince purchased is a totally diamond-clad Mercedes SL550. This bejeweled car is worth a whopping $4.8 million! If you can’t afford to put this on your shopping list, don’t worry. The prince will allow admirers to touch the royal car for a mere $1,000 per person.
Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal is founder, CEO, and 95 percent owner of Kingdom Holding Company, and in 2012 his personal wealth was estimated at $18 billion. The Arabian Business magazine places him as the most influential Arab in the entire world. He is sometimes called the “Arabian Warren Buffet.” He has invested in Citibank, Citicorp, AOL, Apple Inc., MCI Inc., Motorola, Fox News, the Four Seasons hotel chain, the Plaza Hotel in New York, and even Euro Disney.
When someone asked Jesus to be an arbitrator in an inheritance dispute, Christ warned him about the trappings of desiring wealth. He then told a story about a rich man who felt secure in his wealth and did not know he would soon lose his life. “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (Luke 12:20). Christ admonishes, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 21). Investing in God’s “Kingdom” is the best thing you can do with your wealth!
