Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer

Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer, a prominent Saudi businessman known for his deep connections to the Saudi ruling family, stands among the most influential entrepreneurs across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. Recognized by Forbes as one of the richest individuals in the Arab region, Prince Sultan’s notable business acumen has significantly shaped Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape through his strategic investments.

Renowned mainly as the founder of the globally respected dairy giant, Almarai, he also holds key positions in numerous international and regional enterprises spanning dairy, telecommunications, cement, tourism, and energy sectors.

From Arageek’s perspective, his story represents an excellent model of strategic adaptation and innovative entrepreneurial thinking; qualities essential for modern Saudi Arabia’s continued prosperity and growth.

Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer was born in Riyadh in 1954, into one of the most influential families within the Saudi royal estate. His father, Prince Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer, widely known by the nickname “Shuqran,” was a respected royal figure, while his mother, Princess Salma bint Abdulaziz Al Saud, was the sister of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

🎓 A Foundation in Knowledge

Growing up in such a distinguished household deeply shaped Prince Sultan’s worldview. He was educated in some of the Kingdom’s top schools before enrolling at King Saud University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Political Science—an academic choice that reflected both his interest in markets and the mechanics of governance.

✒️ A Poetic Soul

In his early years, Prince Sultan was drawn not to business, but to poetry. Influenced by revered Arab literary voices—most notably the celebrated Syrian poet Omar Baha’a Al-Amiri—he began exploring language and rhythm as forms of personal expression. Poetry, for a time, became his creative refuge.

💼 A Turning Point in Germany

But fate—and his father’s advice—had other plans. Encouraged to shift his focus, Sultan’s career path took a defining turn during a spontaneous business deal in Germany. What began as a chance encounter became the first step in a lifelong journey through commerce and investment. It was in that moment he discovered a new kind of rhythm—the pulse of business—and chose to follow it.

Prince Sultan is married to Princess Al Jawhara bint Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and together the couple have several children, including Prince Saud, Prince Nayef, Prince Mohammed, and Prince Abdulaziz.

The prince comes from a large and distinguished family. Among his siblings are prominent figures such as Prince Fahd, a poet; the late poet Prince Abdullah; Prince Turki, adviser to the Saudi Royal Court; Prince Bandar, former Chairman of Al-Hilal Football Club; Prince Faisal, a retired Major-General and pilot; and Prince Badr, a renowned equestrian figure.

Throughout his distinguished career, Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer has played a pivotal role in transforming Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape. A true pioneer, his legacy spans across industries—from food and telecom to finance and sports.

🚀 Founder of Almarai – A Global Dairy Powerhouse

In 1977, Prince Sultan founded Almarai, initially a small dairy operation in partnership with the Irish Agricultural Cooperation. Under his leadership, it grew into one of the world’s largest integrated dairy companies. By 2005, Almarai became a publicly traded company, with its shareholder base expanding to over 70,000 investors—a testament to its remarkable growth and trust in its leadership.

📱 Driving Forces in Telecom & Travel

As co-founder of Zain Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan played a key role in shaping the Kingdom’s telecom sector. His tenure as Chairman of Al Tayyar Travel Group further amplified his influence on the tourism and services industry, boosting the sector’s reach and professionalism both locally and internationally.

🌍 Strategic Global Investments

Prince Sultan’s investment vision extends far beyond Saudi borders. He has been a driving force behind several prominent ventures, including:

🏇 Championing Equestrian Culture in Saudi Arabia

A passionate supporter of Saudi heritage, Prince Sultan has made significant contributions to the equestrian sports scene, backing major national events and nurturing a strong racing culture that resonates deeply with Saudi tradition.

🏗️ Industrial Leadership Across the Region

His leadership also extended to the construction and materials sector. He held key roles in leading cement enterprises such as:

Prince Sultan’s journey is a reflection of bold vision, enduring impact, and a legacy that bridges economic ambition with cultural pride. His story continues to inspire the next generation of leaders across the Arab world.

Prince Sultan distinguished himself by strategically bridging the gap between traditional values and modern business practices. By skillfully expanding Almarai from a small-scale dairy operation into a multinational food industry giant, he decisively shaped Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts and positioned himself among the kingdom’s leading businessmen.