Owner Of 7,000 Cars, Golden Private Jet, Private Zoo And A Magnificent Palace: Net Worth Of Sultan Of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah Can Put Any Billionaire To Shame
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Brunei highlights the opulent lifestyle of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's wealthiest individuals. The Sultan's immense wealth, largely derived from Brunei's oil and gas reserves, funds his extravagant possessions, including the world's largest private car collection, a lavish palace, and a private zoo.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Brunei highlights the opulent lifestyle of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's wealthiest individuals. The Sultan's immense wealth, largely derived from Brunei's oil and gas reserves, funds his extravagant possessions, including the world's largest private car collection, a lavish palace, and a private zoo.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ascended to the throne of Brunei in 1967 at the tender age of 21. Coming from a lineage that has ruled the nation for over 600 years, he is the 29th heir of the Bolkiah family. Beyond his role as Sultan, he also serves as the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister of Brunei, making him the central figure in the governance of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Brunei on September 3, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation.
Brunei's Sultan is renowned not only for his leadership but also for his immense wealth. Back in 2009, Forbes estimated his fortune at a staggering Rs1.36 lakh crore. However, recent reports suggest that his wealth has more than doubled, now surpassing Rs2.88 lakh crore, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in the world.
The Sultan's primary source of wealth comes from Brunei's abundant oil reserves and natural gas. These resources fueled the country's economy and, in turn, significantly contributed to the Sultan's vast fortune. Brunei's rich deposits of oil and natural gas have made it one of the wealthiest nations in terms of per capita income.
One of the most striking symbols of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's wealth is his magnificent palace, the Istana Nurul Iman. Spanning 20 lakh square feet, this palace, built in 1984, is claimed to be the largest in the world. It is even recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. The palace's estimated value is over Rs2,250 crore, making it a landmark of luxury and opulence.
The Istana Nurul Iman Palace boasts an incredible 1,700 rooms, 257 bathrooms, five swimming pools, and 110 garages. The dome of the palace is adorned with 22-carat gold, and the walls are embedded with gold as well. The grandeur of the palace is a testament to the Sultan's lavish lifestyle and his love for extravagant living.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is also a passionate car enthusiast, owning a jaw-dropping collection of around 7,000 cars. His collection includes 600 Rolls-Royces, 300 Ferraris, 134 Koenigseggs, 11 McLaren F1s, six Porsche 962Ms, and many Jaguars. With 110 garages in his palace, the Sultan has ample space to house this impressive fleet. Additionally, he has an air-conditioned stable for 200 horses, further showcasing his love for luxury.
Beyond his cars, the Sultan owns several private jets, including a Boeing 747-400, Boeing 767-200, and Airbus A340-200. These jets are not just ordinary aircraft; they are adorned with gold, reflecting the Sultan's taste for extravagance. One of his jets is reportedly valued at Rs3,359 crore, featuring a wash basin made of gold, walls embedded with gold, and a carpet woven with gold threads. The jet is equipped with everything needed for a luxurious lifestyle, including a living room, multiple bedrooms, and more.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's personal life has also drawn significant attention. He has been married three times. His first marriage was in 1965, two years before he became Sultan, to Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha. He later married Mariam Abdul Aziz in 1981 and Azrinaz Mazhar in 2005. However, his marriages to Mariam and Azrinaz ended in divorce in 2003 and 2010, respectively.
