Turki Alalshikh is a Saudi Arabian government adviser, writer, poet, and businessman who has significantly shaped the entertainment and sports industries in Saudi Arabia. As the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and an adviser to the Royal Court, Alalshikh has played a crucial role in transforming Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape.
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $2.8 billion. His wealth stems from government roles, major investments in sports and entertainment, and the recent acquisition of The Ring magazine. This article explores his career, sources of wealth, and financial ventures, showcasing how he built his multi-billion-dollar fortune.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 4, 1981, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Sheikh developed a passion for literature, sports, and governance from an early age. He pursued his higher education at King Fahd Security College and King Saud University, institutions that helped shape his leadership and administrative skills. Over the years, he climbed the ranks of the Saudi government and became one of the most influential figures in the country’s entertainment and sports sectors.
Government Roles and Contributions
Alalshikh has held several key positions in the Saudi government, which have significantly contributed to his influence and financial success.
- Adviser to the Royal Court: As an adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he has played an essential role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy away from oil dependency.
- Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA): Since 2018, he has been responsible for overseeing entertainment, cultural events, and festivals in Saudi Arabia. His leadership has led to massive investment in concerts, sporting events, and global entertainment partnerships.
His work has positioned Saudi Arabia as a growing hub for international entertainment and sports, attracting global audiences and investors.
Major Sources of Wealth
1. Investments in Sports and Football Clubs
Alalshikh has made strategic investments in sports, particularly in football and boxing:
- Owner of UD Almería (Spain): He acquired the Spanish football club UD Almería in 2019, helping the team rise through the ranks in European football.
- Former Owner of Pyramids FC (Egypt): He was previously involved with Pyramids FC, a club in the Egyptian Premier League, where he made significant investments to improve its performance.
- Key Role in Boxing Events: As part of Riyadh Season, he has organized high-profile boxing matches featuring world-class fighters, further positioning Saudi Arabia as a major venue for sports entertainment.
2. Acquisition of The Ring Magazine
In November 2024, Alalshikh made headlines by acquiring The Ring magazine for $10 million from Oscar De La Hoya. The magazine, often referred to as “The Bible of Boxing,” has a legacy of recognizing top fighters and promoting the sport worldwide.
Following the acquisition, Alalshikh announced ambitious plans to revamp the magazine:
- Return to print editions in the U.S. and U.K. markets.
- Redesign and modernize the magazine’s look and content.
- Launch a mobile app for global readers.
- Introduce an annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in boxing.
3. Government-Backed Entertainment Initiatives
As the head of the General Entertainment Authority, Alalshikh has overseen billion-dollar entertainment projects, including:
- Riyadh Season: A massive entertainment festival featuring concerts, sports events, and global performances, attracting millions of visitors annually.
- Bringing international artists to Saudi Arabia, such as Drake, The Weeknd, and Mariah Carey.
- Collaborating with WWE and major sports organizations to host major wrestling and fighting events.
4. Real Estate and Business Ventures
While specific details about Alalshikh’s real estate investments remain private, his wealth suggests that he owns luxury properties in Saudi Arabia and abroad. Given his involvement in entertainment and sports, it is likely that his real estate portfolio includes commercial properties, luxury estates, and hospitality investments.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Turki Alalshikh is married and has three children. Despite his busy career, he is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting healthcare initiatives, social programs, and funding sports development in Saudi Arabia.
He remains active on social media, using his platforms to engage with fans, promote sports, and share updates about upcoming projects:
- Instagram: @turkialalshik
- Facebook: Turki Alalshikh
- X (Twitter): @Turki_alalshikh
Future Prospects
With his diverse investments in sports, entertainment, and media, Turki Alalshikh is expected to increase his wealth beyond the current $2.8 billion. His strategic acquisitions and government influence will likely keep Saudi Arabia at the center of the global entertainment industry.
Upcoming projects include:
- Expanding Saudi Arabia’s influence in global boxing and football.
- Hosting more international events under Riyadh Season.
- Growing The Ring magazine into a global sports media powerhouse.