Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his groundbreaking two-day visit to Brunei, attention is drawn to the opulent lifestyle of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the wealthiest figures globally. With an unparalleled collection of luxury items, the Sultan’s wealth, primarily sourced from Brunei’s substantial oil and gas reserves, allows him to indulge in a lifestyle that dwarfs even the grandest of billionaires.
Ascending to the throne in 1967 at the age of 21, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th monarch of Brunei, a dynasty with a rich history spanning over 600 years. In addition to his role as Sultan, he holds multiple positions, including Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister, making him the cornerstone of Brunei’s governance.
In 2009, Forbes estimated the Sultan’s fortune at an impressive ₹1.36 lakh crore. Recent estimates suggest that his net worth has surged beyond ₹2.88 lakh crore, positioning him among the globe’s elite wealthiest individuals.
Source of Wealth:
The Sultan’s substantial wealth is predominantly derived from Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves, which have significantly bolstered the nation’s economy and his personal fortune. Brunei’s immense natural resources have solidified its status as one of the wealthiest nations per capita.
Palatial Splendor:
The most striking testament to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s opulence is his grand residence, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace. Covering 20 lakh square feet, this palace, completed in 1984, is renowned as the world’s largest private residence, a distinction it holds in the Guinness Book of World Records. The palace, valued at over ₹2,250 crore, features 1,700 rooms, 257 bathrooms, five swimming pools, and 110 garages. The interiors are lavishly decorated, with 22-carat gold adorning the dome and walls.
Automotive Collection:
The Sultan’s passion for cars is legendary. His collection boasts around 7,000 vehicles, including 600 Rolls-Royces, 300 Ferraris, 134 Koenigseggs, 11 McLaren F1s, and six Porsche 962Ms. With 110 garages dedicated to housing these luxury vehicles, the Sultan’s automotive collection is unmatched. His palace also includes an air-conditioned stable for 200 horses, further reflecting his enthusiasm for high-end living.
Aviation Extravagance:
Among the Sultan’s notable acquisitions is a Boeing 747, customized for his personal use with luxurious features such as a gold washbasin valued at approximately $120 million. The Sultan’s private fleet also includes a Boeing 747-400, Boeing 767-200, and Airbus A340-200, each adorned with gold and equipped with opulent amenities. One of these jets, valued at ₹3,359 crore, features a gold-woven carpet and walls embedded with gold.
Personal Life:
The Sultan’s personal life has garnered significant interest. He has been married three times: first to Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha in 1965, then to Mariam Abdul Aziz in 1981, and finally to Azrinaz Mazhar in 2005. His marriages to Mariam and Azrinaz ended in divorce in 2003 and 2010, respectively.
As Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brunei unfolds, it provides a rare glimpse into the world of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, a figure whose wealth and lifestyle set him apart as one of the most affluent individuals on the planet.
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