Top 5 Most Powerful Saudi Figures

This year 23^rd of September marks the 91^st Saudi National Day! On this special day, we’d like to shed the light on some of the most powerful Arabs from the kingdom.

Those on the list from the kingdom span across industries – from finance and energy to telecom.

1. Yasir Al-Rumayyan

Chairman, Aramco/Governor, PIF

Sector: Diversified

A man who became the face behind the world’s biggest IPO. He’s close aide of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and an advisor to the Saudi royal court, he was appointed as the chairman of Aramco in September, ahead of the company’s gargantuan listing that raised a total of $29.4bn.

Al-Rumayyan, is also governor and board member of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF.

2. HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Chairman, Kingdom Holding Company

Sector: Finance

His Kingdom Holding Company is exploring IPO or REIT options for its $1.1bn real estate portfolio. The company also bought 4.76 million shares in US ride-hailing company Lyft and through its stake in Careem, now also has a share in Uber.

3. Amin Nasser

President and CEO, Saudi Aramco

Sector: Energy

“We are proud of the listing of Aramco”, CEO Amin Nasser told reporters in November soon after the behemoth IPO.

4. Lubna Suliman Olayan

Chairperson, Saudi British Bank

Sector: Finance

Lubna Olayan is the first woman to chair a listed Saudi bank.

She’s been the CEO of Olayan Financing Company for over 37 years, she currently chairs the board of Olayan Saudi Holding Company.

5. HH Reema bint Bandar Al Saud

Saudi ambassador to the US/Member of IOC committee

Sector: Diplomacy

 Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is Saudis first female ambassador to the US.

She’s also the first woman to take a senior position at the Saudi Sports Authority and is also a member of the International Olympic Committee Women in Sports Commission.