DUBAI (REUTERS) - Saudi business magnate Prince Alwaleed bin Talal congratulated Donald Trump on his US presidential victory, almost a year after the two clashed bitterly on Twitter.

"President elect @realDonaldTrump whatever the past differences, America has spoken, congratulations & best wishes for your presidency," the prince wrote on his Twitter page.

In December 2015 Bin Talal had called Trump a "disgrace" and demanded he withdraw from the election after the property developer's pledge to ban Muslims entry into the US raised hackles in the Middle East.

The next day, Trump issued a withering riposte: "Dopey Prince @Alwaleed-Talal wants to control our US politicians with daddy's money. Can't do it when I get elected."