In the realm of unimaginable opulence, the world’s wealthiest family has ascended to unparalleled heights, boasting a net worth that surpasses the combined fortunes of Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. The Al Nahyan royal family, reigning over the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has amassed a staggering $305 billion (Rs 25,38,667 crore), securing their position as the wealthiest family globally in 2023, outpacing the heirs of Walmart Inc. with a net worth of $232.2 billion (Rs 19,31,374 crore), as reported by Bloomberg.
Headed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commonly known as MBZ, this affluent family holds approximately six percent of the world’s oil reserves and strategically invests in globally renowned businesses, ranging from Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie line to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to The New Yorker. MBZ also commands ownership of the Manchester City football club and stakes in prominent automobile companies.
Diversifying their holdings, the Al Nahyan family’s portfolio extends to the International Holding Co., presided over by UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With its market value soaring to an estimated $235 billion, the company has seen a remarkable 28,000 percent increase in the last five years, becoming one of the Middle East’s largest firms and operating in sectors such as agriculture, energy, entertainment, and maritime, as reported by Bloomberg and Yahoo Finance.
The Al Nahyan’s wealth is showcased in their luxurious properties, featuring a presidential palace that dwarfs The Pentagon in size. The Qaṣr Al-Waṭan, a $475 million (Rs 4078 crore) masterpiece sprawling across 380,000 square meters in Abu Dhabi, stands as a testament to their extravagance. Opened to the public in 2019, this architectural marvel boasts a 37-meter-wide dome and houses priceless artifacts in the “House of Knowledge,” making it a landmark in the Middle East.
Beyond the presidential palace, the family owns an array of palaces globally, including the Chateau de Baillon in Paris and various properties in the UK, earning Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan the moniker “landlord of London.” Their possession of top-tier megayachts, such as the Azzam and the Blue superyachts, valued at $600 million (Rs 4992 crores) each, further cements their status. The Azzam, stretching 591 feet and trumping Jeff Bezos’ superyacht, ‘Koru,’ is renowned as the world’s longest yacht.
Adding to their opulence, the Abu Dhabi royal family maintains a presidential fleet of eight private jets, including the Airbus A320-200 and three Boeing 787-9s. Personal collections of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan feature the $478 million (Rs 3977 crore) Boeing 747 and the $176 million (Rs 1464 crore) Boeing 787.
In the realm of automotive extravagance, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan al Nahyan’s museum-worthy car collection exceeds 700 vehicles, including the world’s largest SUV and the coveted Willys Jeep. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s collection includes luxury vehicles like five Bugatti Veyrons, a Ferrari 599XX, a McLaren MC12, a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, and a Lamborghini Reventon.
Not content with terrestrial luxuries, the Abu Dhabi United Group, owned by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, holds the English football team Manchester City and an 81 percent majority stake in the City Football Group, overseeing football clubs in Manchester, Mumbai, Melbourne, and New York City.
The Al Nahyan family’s unparalleled wealth manifests in their possession of ultra-expensive assets, solidifying their status as the wealthiest family on the global stage.
