The Jeddah Economic Company, which appointed the firms to the project, said it was the vision of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal.

BBC: Shard firm lands deal for world's tallest skyscraper

Another model of diplomatic behavior: Prince Al-Waleed, the Saudi multibillionaire with the biggest stake in Citigroup , never insisted on a board seat and was a benign investor remaining in the background.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Another model of diplomatic behavior: Prince Al-Waleed, the Saudi multibillionaire with the biggest stake in Citigroup (nyse: C - news - people ), never insisted on a board seat and was a benign investor remaining in the background.

FORBES: Rich Countries Funding Big Banks