Grand Mosque project in Carthage, Tunisia

Grand Mosque project in Carthage, Tunisia

Sensitive to accusations that his investment portfolio and political statements reflect a pro-Western bias, Al-Walid has been careful to shore up his reputation among the broader Saudi and Arab public. His donations to religious institutions regularly make headlines. In December 2001, he announced that he would build 50 new mosques in Saudi Arabia, where he has previously funded the construction of 39 mosques. In May, he donated $4 million to the Grand Mosque project in Carthage, Tunisia and $2 million to a mosque in Lebanon.