Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ Since Brunei gained its independence from the British in 1984, Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III has assumed the dual roles of Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan. Furthermore, he has maintained his position as the country’s Prime Minister since independence. Following his father’s retirement on October 5, 1967, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the eldest son of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit, ascended to the throne as the Sultan of Brunei, becoming one of the world’s few absolute monarchs.
According to reports, with a staggering net worth estimated at $30 billion, the Sultan ranks among the globe’s wealthiest individuals. Holding the record for the longest-serving head of state currently in office, he celebrated his 50th anniversary in 2017, solidifying his status as the world’s longest-reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II. Since his assumption of the throne in August 1968, Sultan Bolkiah has overseen significant developmental strides and fostered diplomatic ties, including Brunei’s involvement in organizations such as ASEAN and the UN. However, his lavish lifestyle and opulent possessions have garnered the most attention. Predominantly deriving his income from oil reserves and natural gas, the Sultan’s wealth is primarily sourced from these lucrative ventures.
According to media reports, the Sultan owns a Boeing 747 aircraft valued at approximately $400 million. Further, he augmented this acquisition with additional furnishings totaling another $120 million, including extravagances like a gold washbasin. Reports also suggest that Bolkiah bestowed his daughter with an Airbus A340 as a birthday gift. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s impressive collection of 7,000 luxury cars, valued at around Rs 341 billion, features 600 Rolls Royces and 300 Ferraris. Notably, during the 1990s, the Bolkiah family purchased nearly half of all Rolls Royces sold during that decade. Allegedly, during his youth, Hassanal Bolkiah engaged in late-night Ferrari races in the capital city of Brunei.
Further, the Sultan’s residence, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, was commissioned in 1984 to commemorate Brunei’s independence from British rule. Spanning an expansive 2 million square feet, it holds the distinction of being the world’s largest palace, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The palace’s dome is adorned with 22-carat gold. Valued at over Rs 2550 crore, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace encompasses more than 1700 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and five swimming pools. Among its impressive features are 110 garages and air-conditioned stables for 200 horses.
According to reports, the Sultan also boasts a private zoo, housing approximately 30 Bengal tigers and providing entertainment for visitors of Hassanal Bolkiah. This zoo is also home to falcons, flamingos, and cockatoos, known for their abilities to engage in activities like basketball, cycling, singing, mimicry of other animals, and even talking. Displaying his passion for customized luxury, the Sultan of Brunei owns a Rolls Royce specially designed to accommodate an umbrella on top of the car, which features an open roof. Interestingly, the car is adorned with gold plating, extending from the grill to the tires.
