World's Most Expensive Party

The world’s most expensive and extravagant party broke every record of extravagance. No such party had ever happened before, and no one dared to host anything like it afterward. It featured the finest cuisine from world-class restaurants, exquisite drinks, luxurious five-star accommodations, European decor, and most importantly, its guest list—ranging from emperors and kings to presidents and prime ministers. Heads of state from 65 countries attended.

Surprisingly, this magnificent event didn’t take place in a seven-star hotel but in the middle of a barren desert. Yes, for a three-day celebration, an entire desert landscape was transformed overnight. This is the story of a party the world had never seen before—neither hosted by an Arab prince nor a billionaire tycoon. This was the work of Iran’s Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

It was 1968. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the ruler of Iran, often referred to as the "King of Kings." He was considered one of the richest individuals on earth and the most powerful man in Iran. With the stroke of a pen, he could dismiss a prime minister, pass laws, or declare war. No one dared to speak against him. His secret police abducted dissenters from their homes, and many were executed without trial. Iran had one of the world’s highest death penalty rates.

The Shah ruled with absolute authority and enjoyed a life of luxury, but his country suffered. More than half the population lived in poverty. Basic needs like food, clean water, healthcare, and education were severely lacking. Still, no one could speak up. Despite Iran's urgent need for basic infrastructure, the Shah was focused on something else entirely—he wanted to change the world’s perception of Iran.

His plan: throw the grandest party in history and invite global leaders. He believed that this display of luxury would improve Iran’s global image. But he had no idea that this same party would eventually become the reason for his downfall.

Once he decided to show off his power, preparations began a year in advance. Invitations were sent out across the world. A dedicated team was formed to manage the event. The biggest problem? Where would these elite guests stay? Iran didn’t have the infrastructure or hotels of that caliber.

So, the Shah decided the party would take place in a desert. Naturally, people were confused—why host a global elite gathering in a desert full of sand, heat, snakes, and scorpions? But once the decision was made, what followed was beyond imagination.

First, 500 acres of desert were treated with chemicals to remove snakes—some species had never been seen before. Then came the boldest step: the creation of a royal village. But before building tents, 4,000 acres of soil were transported to the area to build a forest. Yes, it was the world’s first desert-to-forest transformation, and that too for just a three-day event.

15,000 trees and plants were imported. Iran was already facing a water crisis, so building a forest was pure madness. But the Shah wanted to offer his guests an unforgettable experience. Within a month, the forest was complete with fragrant flowers, but something was still missing.

To bring it to life, 50,000 songbirds and 20,000 sparrows were imported from Europe and released into the forest. Most died before the event due to the desert climate. Still not satisfied, the Shah contracted a Parisian company to build luxury, air-conditioned tented suites.

Each suite included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sitting room, and a kitchen, with a five-member staff assigned. The tents were designed in Paris and flown to Iran for assembly. A total of 50 suites were built over 160 acres, in a place that just months earlier had been nothing but hot sand.

A golf course, perfume gardens, and air-conditioned royal lodgings were all completed—for just three days.

Transporting all this was a major challenge. So, 50 kilometers from the site, the Shah built an entire courier airfield and a new highway just to transport materials. For food, he brought in Maxim’s of Paris, one of the world’s finest restaurants. They shut down for two weeks to send their chefs, waiters, and equipment.

Everything—from the smallest ingredient to the most delicate garnish—was imported from Paris. The numbers were staggering: 18 tons of food, 250,000 eggs, 2,700 kg of meat, and even the same dishes served at Maxim’s. Alongside the food, 12 tons of the finest wine were imported.

And then came the most absurd detail: the ice cubes to chill the wine were also flown in from Paris.

Security was another mammoth task. Over 6,500 army soldiers were deployed to guard the event, with checkpoints every 100 meters. Protesters were arrested, and Iran was put under a full lockdown. Even the borders were sealed.

Finally, the much-awaited day arrived—October 12, 1971—the first day of the party. Guests started arriving at the specially built airfield, with private planes landing one after another. 250 bulletproof limousines transported them to the royal village—ordered specifically for this event.

Heads of state from 65 countries attended. Some nations sent their presidents, others their prime ministers. The desert, once ruled by snakes and scorpions, was now filled with royalty, presidents, prime ministers, and global leaders.

For three full days, the guests were treated to lavish dinners, lunches, and continuous entertainment. The estimated cost of the party was over $1 billion—equivalent to more than ₹7,500 crores today.

The global media gave it extensive coverage, praising the Shah’s grandeur. But once the party ended, public anger erupted. Iranians, deprived of basic facilities, were outraged at the Shah's mindless extravagance.

This triggered a massive revolution in 1978. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown, and Ayatollah Khomeini became the new Supreme Leader. The Shah fled to Egypt, where he died a year later. And just like that, a three-day party brought down an entire dynasty.