With 7,000 cars in his fleet and a net worth of $50 billion, Brunei’s Sultan Hassan Bolkiah is the world's longest-serving monarch still alive and is famous for his opulent lifestyle. The Sultan of Brunei even hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first-ever bilateral trip to the nation last year. Keep reading to see more of what the Sultan of Brunei is like.
A Royal Beginning
Brunei’s Sultan Hassan Bolkiah was born on July 15, 1946, as the son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, and was chosen by his father as his successor from a very early age. The 29th Sultan of the House of Bolkiah family, he became Sultan in August 1968, becoming known around the globe due to his wealth in the billions. From spending exorbitantly in casinos, on extravagant yachts and luxury cars, to owning his private hotel and zoo, Sultan Bolkiah had his share of his extravagances.
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Power And Wealth
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is also Brunei's prime minister, possesses numerous high-ranking titles, further embellishing his wealth. During his regime Brunei's status as one of the richest countries in the world, based on oil wealth, was cemented. For decades, his wealth and lifestyle of excess have fascinated people.
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The World’s Largest Residential Palace
He built a palace for $600 million, called Istana Nurul Iman, where he currently lives. The palace features 1,778 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a grand throne room, a polo complex, a mosque, five swimming pools, and a garage that accommodates 110 cars. In fact, it is recognized by the Guinness World Records as “the world’s largest residential palace.”
A Passion For Automobiles And Aviation
Moreover, the Sultan is known for having a unique fondness for automobiles, with a notable collection of 500 Rolls-Royces in addition to other vehicles. He has a huge collection of more than 7,000 cars across the brands Ferrari, Mercedes, Bentley, BMW, and Jaguar, including three of the five McLaren F1 LM cars in existence. He also has a collection of private planes, which includes a gold-plated Boeing 747 400, among many other jets and helicopters.
Luxury In The Details
According to media accounts, the Sultan supposedly pays approximately $20,000 for just one haircut in which he flies his London-based hair stylist first class to Brunei.