Saudi Prince Alwaleed has invested billions in companies around globe

FILE PHOTO - Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal leaves the High Court in London July 2, 2013. REUTERS/Neil Hall/File Photo

DUBAI (Reuters) - The detention of Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, known for his big bets on Citigroup and other top Western companies, could have an impact on billions of dollars of investments around the world.

For many foreigners, Prince Alwaleed - whose net worth has been estimated by Forbes magazine at $17 billion(£13 billion) - is the face of Saudi business, appearing frequently on international television and in articles on his investments and lifestyle.