Learn about the wealthiest royal family, challenging the assumption that Queen Elizabeth II, despite her record reign, is the richest monarch.
While the British royal family is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world, their wealth is not the highest among royal families.
If you’re curious about which royal family holds the title of the wealthiest and where they hail from, Lifestyle Asia has the answers.
We’ll take a closer look at five of the richest royal families across the globe, revealing the sources and extent of their wealth, and exploring the lavish lifestyles they lead.
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Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Dubai
Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, hailing from Dubai, is among the world’s wealthiest royal figures.
Visual Capitalist estimates his wealth at $14 billion, ranking him as the fifth richest royal globally.
Known for his significant contributions to Dubai’s development, Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has played a pivotal role in the establishment of major enterprises. Such as Emirates Airlines, The Jumeirah Group, and DP World, according to BBC reports.
Emir Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – Abu Dhabi
Emir Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi.
He holds the position as the world’s fourth richest monarch, with a net worth estimated at $18 billion.
His wealth primarily stems from his role as the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. They oversee the management of the UAE’s surplus oil revenues, estimated to be worth around half a trillion dollars.
Additionally, The Business Standard said that his half-brother owns Manchester City FC, and reports suggest that the Sheikh also holds significant property assets in London.
Despite his vast wealth, Emir Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is renowned for his philanthropic endeavors, as noted by the UAE Embassy.
King Salman Abdulaziz bin Saud- Saudi Arabia
Tied for third place with a net worth of $18 billion is King Salman Abdulaziz bin Saud of Saudi Arabia.
However, when considering his familial wealth, the Saud Family of Saudi Arabia emerges as the wealthiest family globally. They have a fortune exceeding $1 trillion, as reported by The Business Standard.
Unlike many other monarchs, the Saudi ruler does not merely hold a symbolic position. Instead, the Saud family has been the predominant source of authority and power in the oil-rich region for generations.
Apart from the wealth amassed through oil and investments, the family maintains a high level of privacy regarding their assets.
Nevertheless, it is widely known that they possess some of the most luxurious residences, vehicles, yachts, private jets, and other valuable possessions.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – Brunei
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, according to Visual Capitalist, possesses a wealth of $28 billion. Barron’s notes that following Queen Elizabeth II, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the world’s second-longest-reigning monarch.
Additionally, as reported by The Business Standard, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah serves as both the Prime Minister of Brunei and the absolute monarch of the nation.
His considerable fortune is said to stem from his involvement in the oil and natural gas export business. This is a position that has consistently placed him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Notably, he resides in Istana Nurul Iman, the largest residential palace globally, boasting over 1,778 rooms.
Furthermore, the Sultan is said to possess a fleet of more than 600 Rolls Royces.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn – Thailand
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn holds the title of the world’s richest monarch, with a net worth of $43 billion in US dollars, according to Visual Capitalist.
Following the passing of his father in 2016, the 67-year-old royal ascended to the throne, as reported by The Business Standard.
His wealth is managed by the Crown Property Bureau. They oversee a vast estate of over 16,210 acres of land in Thailand, along with 40,000 rental contracts nationwide, including 17,000 in the capital.
Additionally, the King owns substantial shares in the Siam Cement Group and Siam Commercial Bank.
Notably, he also possesses the Golden Jubilee Diamond, the largest cut and faceted diamond globally.
Banner photo via Amazing Thailand’s official website.
