Saudi Arabia is among the most influential nations in the global arena – with an integrated hand across energy markets, religious dynamics, and global diplomacy. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia moves towards its newfound aspirations under the banner of Vision 2030 – led by none other than the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud – the world remains fixated on the man destined to lead the Kingdom for decades to come. Today we take a rare glimpse into the extravagant life of the de factor ruler of Saudi Arabia history and how his opulent lifestyle embodies power, fortune and ambition.
Before diving into the indulgent lifestyle of the Crown Prince, let’s first look at who exactly he is and where he comes from.
Who is Mohammed bin Salman?
Born in Riyadh on August 31, 1985, Mohammed bin Salman hails from the House of Saud, which has ruled Saudi Arabia since the clan’s founding in 1744. He was tapped to become defense minister in January 2015, and his role expanded to deputy prime minister in that April. June 2017, however, brought his ascendance to the position of crown prince, as he had ousted his cousin, then-incumbent crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, through a series of political machinations.
The man Time Magazine called “Person of the Year” for 2017 alongside the likes of Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, Mohammed bin Salman has presided over a sea change in the ultra-conservative kingdom, with reforms that have included loosening restrictions on women, courting foreign investment and seeking to move the country’s economy away from its oil dependency.
Educational Background
In sharp contrast to his notoriously gaudy lifestyle, Mohammed bin Salman is particularly elusive about his formal education. It is largely believed that he studied Law at King Saud University in Riyadh before pursuing a career in public service. Despite an almost nonexistent paper trail to verify his academic pursuits, he has demonstrated keen intellect, astuteness, and sagaciousness in statecraft, adding to his image as a progressive reformer in motion.
A Look Inside the Opulent World of Mohammed Bin Salman
The son of a wealthy monarch, Mohammed bin Salman naturally enjoys access to unimaginable materialistic opulence and luxuries. From mind-blowing real estate properties, state-of-the-art automobiles, and private jets, to yachts the Crown Prince’s life is nothing short of a modern day fairytale befitting a lifestyle of the rich and the famous.
Residencies
When you’re worth untold billions, your real estate becomes the epitome of regality. According to the same reports, MBS has hundreds of square meters worth of palatial estates, each more adorned and sumptuous than the last, with every amenity that money — a lot of money — can buy. Among them is the notorious Chateau Louis XIV near Paris. It was purchased for €275 million ($300 million) in 2015 and considered the costliest home ever sold in Europe; the French Baroque masterpiece includes gilded fountains, marble statues, a home cinema, and an aquarium. Because, of course.
Automobile Collection:
A car enthusiast to the core, Mohammed bin Salman has a flair for high-end cars and his collection speaks volumes of his exquisite taste and discernment. It is reportedly home to artifacts like custom-built gold plated Rolls Royce Phantoms, Ferraris, Bugattis, Bentleys, Mercedes Benzes and what not. Standout amongst these is $300,000 Lykan Hypersport from W Motors, with diamonds in its LED headlights!
Private Jets & Yachts:
Mohammed bin Salman never lowers the bar when it comes to globetrotting. His private jet, Boeing 747-400 is reportedly worth $500 million and carries a striking resemblance to the ones used in the official limelight of U.S Presidents, Air Force One. The aircraft includes a dining room, bedroom suites, an office, meeting rooms, a prayer room, and a living room. And if that’s not enough, his voyage-mobiles include two Airbus A340’s.
A 440 feet-long behemoth, Serene is the billionaire’s newest toy on the water. At an estimated cost of almost half a billion dollars the beast was built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri. The yacht has enough berths to accommodate up to 24 guests who will be taken care of by a 52-person crew. Features include indoor and outdoor pools, a helicopter pad, and a submarine escape that can reach depths of 330 feet.
Wealth Comparison: Saudi King vs. Elon Musk
In conclusion, a wealth comparison of the Saudi King (presently King Salman) vs. tech mogul Elon Musk says so much about the patterns of wealth accumulation and distribution at different segments of society. His net worth remains elusive, ranging from anywhere between $17 billion-$1 trillion, given Salman’s vast control of Saudi Arabia’s public funds and natural resources. Meanwhile, Musk boasts a fortune estimated at around $200 billion – most of which from his pioneering work at Tesla Inc., SpaceX, Neuralink and more lucrative ventures.
It is, however, imperative to remember that the discrepancies in wealth — while invigorating — often lead to discrepancies of access to opportunity and, ultimately, influence and privilege. Nevertheless, it’s a jarring reminder of how large a concentration of wealth the men with their hands on the lever of both the country and its most valuable company truly have.