Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has said he will donate $32 billion (£20bn) to charity in the coming years.

The sum represents his entire wealth and will be given to charities including those that promote health, disease eradication, disaster relief and women's rights.

The 60-year-old nephew of King Salman is one of the world's richest people.

He said he had been inspired by the Gates Foundation, set up by Bill and Melinda Gates in 1997.

Mr Gates praised the decision, calling it an "inspiration to all of us working in philanthropy around the world".

Prince Alwaleed is at number 34 on the Forbes list of the world's richest people.

The money will go to the prince's charitable organisation, Alwaleed Philanthropies, to which he has already donated $3.5bn.

The prince, who does not hold an official government position, is chairman of investment firm Kingdom Holding Company.