New Delhi: The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, popularly known as MBZ, is arriving in India today, January 19, on an official visit. This marks his third official visit to India as UAE President and is expected to further strengthen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Alongside diplomacy, MBZ’s visit has also drawn attention to his immense wealth and royal lifestyle.
One of the World’s Richest Royals
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is among the richest royal figures in the world, with an estimated personal net worth of around $30 billion (approximately ₹2.7 lakh crore). His wealth is derived from royal inheritance, oil revenues, and global investments spread across banking, energy, real estate, and international financial markets.
According to Bloomberg, the Al Nahyan dynasty is the wealthiest royal family globally, with a combined net worth exceeding $300 billion (₹27 lakh crore). The family rules Abu Dhabi and controls nearly 6% of the world’s proven oil reserves, making it one of the most powerful families in global energy markets.
A Palace Larger Than the Pentagon
Among the family’s most iconic assets is the UAE’s presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, valued at approximately $475 million.
- The palace spans 380,000 square meters, nearly three times the size of the Pentagon.
- Built with white granite and limestone, it features a 37-meter-wide central dome.
- A spectacular chandelier inside is embedded with 350,000 crystals.
Beyond the UAE, the Al Nahyan family owns several luxury palaces overseas, including the Château de Baillon near Paris.
A Garage of Over 700 Luxury Cars
The Abu Dhabi royal family boasts one of the world’s largest car collections, displayed across museums in the UAE and Morocco. Media reports suggest that Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan alone owns over 700 cars.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed’s collection includes ultra-rare models such as:
- Five Bugatti Veyrons
- Ferrari 599XX
- McLaren MC12
- Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
- Lamborghini Reventón
Private Jets and World’s Largest Superyacht
The royal fleet includes eight private aircraft, featuring Airbus A320-200s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. MBZ’s personal aircraft collection reportedly includes:
- A Boeing 747 worth $478 million
- A Boeing 787 valued at $176 million
The family also owns the world’s largest superyacht, Azzam, measuring 590 feet in length.
- It can accommodate over 100 guests
- Features include a golf training room, mother-of-pearl interiors, and a custom chandelier designed to remain stable even in rough seas
Other luxury yachts owned by the family include Blue and Topaz (now known as A+), both ranked among the world’s top 10 largest yachts.
Global Business Investments
Beyond oil and real estate, the Al Nahyan family has diversified investments across multiple industries. Their portfolio includes stakes in global giants such as Ferrari and Daimler AG, as well as investments in Rihanna’s lingerie brand Savage X Fenty and Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
As Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visits India, his presence not only highlights the growing strategic ties between the two nations but also underscores the extraordinary wealth and global influence of the UAE’s ruling royal family.