DUBAI: Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has been released from detention, family sources said on Saturday, more than two months after he was taken into custody in the kingdom’s sweeping crackdown on corruption.
His release came hours after he told Reuters in an exclusive interview at the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh that he expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing and be released from custody within days.
Family sources said Prince Alwaleed was released on Saturday.
“He has he arrived home,” one told Reuters.
Saudi officials could not immediately be reached for comment and the terms of his release were not immediately clear.
A senior Saudi official said Prince Alwaleed was freed after he reached a financial settlement with the attorney general.
"The attorney general has approved this morning the settlement that was reached with Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and the prince returned home at 11:00a.m. (0800 GMT)," the official told Reuters, without giving details of the terms.
Prince Alwaleed had been confined at the Ritz-Carlton since early November, along with dozens of others, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to consolidate control and reform oil superpower Saudi Arabia.
In his first interview since he was taken into custody in November, Prince Alwaleed told Reuters he was continuing to maintain his innocence of any corruption in talks with authorities.
He said he expected to keep full control of his global investment firm Kingdom Holding Co. without being required to give up assets to the government.
Reuters: Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal released, family sources say
Reuters: Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal released, family sources say
Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage
- Festival now established as a premier annual event
AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.
The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
FASTFACT
In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.
This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.
The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.
The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.
