The House of Saud

If you haven’t heard of the Saudi royal family—the wealthiest family on the planet—you’re missing one of the most remarkable stories in modern history. With a jaw-dropping fortune of $1.4 trillion, the House of Saud has built an empire fueled by oil, driven by power, and defined by unmatched luxury. Let’s explore their journey from humble tribal roots to global economic dominance.

The Rise of the Saudi Dynasty: A Tale of Oil and Power

The House of Saud, the ruling family of Saudi Arabia, consists of more than 25,000 members, with over 200 princes wielding significant influence. Their fortune eclipses that of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and is nearly four times greater than the Qatari royal family.

Their story began in the 18th century when Muhammad bin Saud, a tribal leader, allied with religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. This alliance laid the foundation for the first Saudi state. By the 20th century, the discovery of vast oil reserves in the Arabian desert turned the kingdom into a global economic powerhouse.

Under King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the kingdom capitalized on its massive oil reserves, propelling the family to immense wealth. Today, Saudi Aramco—the state-owned oil giant—stands as one of the world’s most profitable companies, with a 2019 market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion.

Mohammed bin Salman: The Prince Who Reshaped a Nation

In 2017, King Salman appointed his 39-year-old son, Mohammed bin Salman (commonly known as MBS), as Crown Prince. He immediately embarked on a bold transformation of Saudi society and its economy.

One of his landmark reforms was allowing women to drive, a groundbreaking shift in a deeply conservative nation. He also reopened cinemas, welcomed concerts, and eased long-standing social restrictions—moves embraced by younger generations eager for change.

MBS launched Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the economy away from oil. It focuses on developing sectors like technology, tourism, and entertainment. Part of this effort included launching the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a $500 billion investment vehicle with global ambitions.

Unmatched Opulence: Mohammed bin Salman's Lavish Lifestyle

Crown Prince MBS’s personal fortune is as remarkable as his political clout. He owns a fleet of supercars, including a $5.5 million Pagani Zonda Riviera, a Bugatti Chiron, and a $1.9 million Koenigsegg Regera.

In 2015, MBS purchased the Château Louis XIV near Paris for $300 million—then the world’s most expensive home. Modeled after Versailles, it features gold-leaf fountains, an indoor pool, a ballroom, and a 3,000-bottle wine cellar.

His $500 million superyacht Serene includes two helipads, an outdoor cinema, a seawater pool, and even houses the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting Salvator Mundi, purchased for $450 million.

The Crown Jewels: Palaces, Jets, and Global Estates

King Salman’s palaces redefine luxury. Erga Palace in Riyadh features gold-plated furniture—even the tissue boxes—while Al Yamamah Palace boasts 400 rooms of gilded elegance. International holdings include the Château de Lumière in Virginia and a $450 million da Vinci painting.

The family’s air fleet is equally extravagant. MBS and King Salman own customized jets like a Boeing 747 and Airbus A380-turned-"flying palace." These jets feature gold fixtures, royal lounges, and onboard bedrooms.

The Golden Wheels: Cars and Collectibles of Royalty

Prince Turki bin Abdullah’s car collection includes gold-plated Lamborghini Aventadors, Bentleys, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Prince Badr bin Mohammed owns some of the rarest vehicles on Earth, such as the $8.2 million Bugatti La Voiture Noire and a Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta.

Extravagant Parties and Cultural Power

The Al Saud family is known for their headline-grabbing events. In 2015, MBS reportedly spent $50 million renting a private island in the Maldives, flying in top models and performers like Pitbull and Psy.

Royal weddings feature million-dollar gowns, golden toilets, and diamond-studded gifts. But it’s not all indulgence—Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in global culture and sports, including the $2 billion LIV Golf tournament that rivals the PGA Tour.

Philanthropy Meets Power

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal pledged his $16 billion fortune to global charity through Alwaleed Philanthropies. While the family's wealth garners criticism, their philanthropic work aims to balance perception with impact.

At the center of their strategy is the Public Investment Fund, with stakes in Uber, Microsoft, Lucid Motors, and ownership of Newcastle United Football Club. The fund is also behind Neom—a $500 billion futuristic city powered by renewable energy and AI.

6 Futuristic Mega-Projects by Arab Oil Giants

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – The world’s largest multi-species aquarium, holding 58 million liters of water and home to 150 species.

Wasl Tower, Dubai – A twisting skyscraper with a ceramic façade, rooftop spa, and panoramic glass observation deck.

Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi – A tribute to the UAE’s founding father, combining heritage with sustainable architecture.

Vertical City, Dubai – A floating, self-sustaining skyscraper for 25,000 people, powered by solar and wind energy.

Al Mahara Floating Theatre, Sharjah – A pearl-shaped cultural hub on water, designed for world-class performances.

Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi – A $1.36 billion eco-retreat with 800 villas, kayaking, and mangrove forests.

A Legacy of Wealth, Vision, and Power

From their golden palaces and yachts to visionary mega-projects and global investments, the Al Saud family represents a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and sheer extravagance. Their legacy isn’t just about wealth—it’s about reshaping the world in their image.