Who is Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz al Saud?
Born into royalty in September 1949, Prince Khaled bin Sultan is a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia. The eldest son of the late Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, he has navigated both military and entrepreneurial pathways with equal prowess. Known for his dedication to his family, Prince Khaled has two wives, Luluwah bint Fahd and Abeer bint Turki, and is the father of 8 children.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Khalid bin Sultan is the eldest son of the late Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.
- He served as the Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation of Saudi Arabia and was the Commander of the Joint Forces in the first Persian Gulf War.
- He founded the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation.
- He owned the Golden Fleet of luxury superyachts, which supports the operations of the Living Oceans Foundation.
- Prince Khaled’s father owned the yacht Al Salamah, one of the largest yachts in the world, which was later gifted to the Crown Prince of Bahrain.
His Role in Defense and Aviation
Prior to his focus on business ventures, Prince Khaled was an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s defense structure. He held the position of the Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation, showcasing his commitment to the nation’s safety and technological advancements. His military prowess was highlighted during his tenure as Commander of the Joint Forces in the first Persian Gulf War. In 1991, he chose to retire from his military career to concentrate on his business interests.
Contributions to Environmental Conservation: The Living Oceans Foundation
With a strong commitment to environmental preservation, Prince Khaled established the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation in September 2000. This non-profit organization based in the United States devotes itself to applied environmental science, education, and outreach.
Through collaboration with local partners and governments, the Foundation works tirelessly to promote coral reef conservation. It signifies Prince Khaled’s deep concern for the well-being of the planet’s oceans and his dedication to restore their health.
Supporting Environmental Endeavors: The Golden Fleet
Prince Khaled’s dedication to oceanic conservation extends to his ownership of a series of luxury superyachts, collectively known as the Golden Fleet. Previously, the flagship of this magnificent collection was Golden Odyssey II, later replaced by the 2015 Lurssen Golden Odyssey. (In 2023 the yacht was sold at auction)
The fleet, frequently voyaging across the world’s oceans, includes the support yacht Golden Shadow (66.75m) and the sport fishing vessel Golden Osprey (27.45m). The Golden Shadow is a remarkable logistical support vessel, boasting the capacity to carry a Cessna Caravan Amphibious aircraft.
The Legacy of the Yacht Al Salamah
Prince Khaled’s father, Prince Sultan, was the proud owner of the yacht Al Salamah. Known for its grand size, Al Salamah was amongst the largest yachts in the world by volume.
Following Prince Sultan’s death, the yacht was initially listed for sale at a staggering $280 million. However, the yacht was later gifted to Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, marking the end of an era for the legendary yacht.
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