The Al Nahyan royal family, rulers of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has secured its position as the wealthiest family globally, boasting a staggering fortune of $305 billion (Rs 25,38,667 crore) as of 2023. This places them ahead of the heirs of Walmart Inc., whose net worth totals $232.2 billion (Rs 19,31,374 crore), according to a report by Bloomberg.
Led by the influential United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commonly known as MBZ, the Al Nahyan family holds approximately six percent of the world’s oil reserves. Their strategic investments span various industries, from Rihanna’s lingerie line Savage X Fenty to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, as highlighted in The New Yorker.
One of the key figures in their financial empire is UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon, also known as Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He heads the International Holding Co., an investment company whose value has surged almost 28,000 percent in the last five years, reaching a market value estimated at around $235 billion, making it one of the largest firms in the Middle East. The company boasts a diverse portfolio, with interests in agriculture, energy, entertainment, and maritime, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide.
Presidential Palace and Luxurious Properties
The Al Nahyan family’s opulent property portfolio includes a collection of magnificent palaces. Foremost among these is the Qaṣr Al-Waṭan, a presidential palace in Abu Dhabi valued at $475 million (Rs 4078 crore). Spanning an expansive 380,000 square meters, the palace features a 37-meter-wide dome and a chandelier adorned with 350,000 crystal pieces. Divided into eastern and western wings, it houses a “House of Knowledge” with prized historical artifacts and halls used for official functions. Opened to the public in 2019, the palace stands as a symbol of the Middle East’s grandeur.
In addition to Qaṣr Al-Waṭan, the Al Nahyan family owns other lavish properties worldwide, including the Chateau de Baillon in northern Paris and several residences in the UK. Former family head Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan earned the moniker “landlord of London” for his extensive property holdings in affluent neighborhoods, rivaling even the British royal family’s London assets in 2015.
World’s Biggest Megayachts
The Al Nahyan dynasty’s fleet extends to some of the world’s most luxurious megayachts, surpassing even the possessions of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Notable yachts include the Azzam and the Blue superyachts, each valued at $600 million (Rs 4992 crores). Azzam, the world’s longest yacht at 591 feet, boasts accommodation for over 100 people and features a golf training room, overshadowing Jeff Bezos’ 417-foot superyacht, nicknamed ‘Koru.’ The $597 million (Rs 4967 crore) Blue, measuring 525 feet, ranks as the fourth-largest yacht globally, while the $660 million (Rs 5490 crore) A+ was even borrowed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
Eight Private Jets
The Al Nahyan family’s presidential fleet comprises eight aircraft, including the Airbus A320-200 and three Boeing 787-9s. Notably, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s personal collection includes the $478 million (Rs 3977 crore) Boeing 747 and the $176 million (Rs 1464 crore) Boeing 787, reflecting the family’s commitment to a lavish lifestyle.
Uber-Expensive Fleet of Cars
Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan al Nahyan’s car collection is museum-worthy, with over 700 vehicles, including the world’s largest SUV and the coveted Willys Jeep. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s impressive collection features five Bugatti Veyrons, a Ferrari 599XX, McLaren MC12, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, and a Lamborghini Reventon, as detailed by The New Yorker.
Premier League Football Club
Beyond the realms of luxury, the Al Nahyan family has left its mark in the sporting world. The Abu Dhabi United Group, under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s ownership, acquired the English football team Manchester City for $255 million (Rs 2122 crore) in September 2008. Moreover, the investment company holds an 81 percent majority stake in the City Football Group, managing football clubs like Manchester City, Mumbai City, Melbourne City, and New York City.
The wealth of the Al Nahyan royal family transcends conventional boundaries, reflecting not only in their financial holdings but also in their ownership of iconic properties, megayachts, private jets, luxury cars, and a prominent presence in the world of sports. As the world’s wealthiest family, the Al Nahyan dynasty continues to shape global investments and redefine opulence on an unprecedented scale.
