Who is Hassanal Bolkiah? The Sultan of Brunei with a Rs 2.5 lakh crore net worth, 7,000 cars, and a golden palace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history with his visit to Brunei, marking the first time an Indian PM has visited the Southeast Asian nation. This two-day trip aims to strengthen ties between India and Brunei, celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations. PM Modi’s visit comes at the invitation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s second-longest reigning monarch.

Hassanal Bolkiah’s wealth, lifestyle, and influence are unmatched, making him one of the most fascinating figures on the global stage. His collection of 7,000 luxurious cars and his residence in the world’s largest palace are just glimpses into the life of a Sultan whose net worth of Rs 2.5 lakh crore is as impressive as his reign. Let's take a look into the Sultan's lavish lifestyle:

The Magnificent Istana Nurul Iman: World's Largest Residential Palace

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When we think of luxurious living, names like Mukesh Ambani often come to mind. His Mumbai residence, Antilia, is known as one of the most expensive homes in the world, valued at over Rs 15,000 crore. However, there’s another house that eclipses even this, known as the world’s largest residential palace. This grand estate belongs to Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei.?

Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei since 1967 and the Prime Minister since Brunei gained independence from the UK in 1984, resides in Istana Nurul Iman Palace. This magnificent palace is located near Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and is not just a house—it’s a city in itself. Spread over 2 million square feet, it boasts 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a banquet hall that can host 5,000 guests.

A Palace with Golden Touch

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According to the Guinness World Records official website, Istana Nurul Iman a marvel of architectural grandeur, was built 40 years ago at an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore. Designed by Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin and featuring interiors by Khuan Chew, the palace has 200 air-conditioned horse stables and 110 garages to house the Sultan's huge collection of 7,000 cars, including 600 Rolls-Royces. The dome of this palace is coated with 22-carat gold, adding to its luxury. It also has 257 bathrooms, a banqueting hall for 5,000 guests, a large mosque, five swimming pools

Hassanal Bolkiah: The Sultan and His Extraordinary Wealth

Hassanal Bolkiah was born on 15th July 1946 in Brunei Town (now Bandar Seri Begawan) and is one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs and one of the few absolute rulers left today. He took the throne in 1967, following the abdication of his father. Since then, he has been the face of Brunei, a small but incredibly wealthy nation thanks to its abundant oil and gas reserves.

As per Forbes, Sultan’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $30 billion (over Rs 2.5 lakh crore), making him one of the richest individuals in the world.

The Sultan’s Impressive Car Collection

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Hassanal Bolkiah's car collection is legendary. He owns over 7,000 luxury vehicles, which include approximately 600 Rolls-Royces, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records. His collection also features 450 Ferraris, 380 Bentleys, and numerous other prestigious brands like Porsches, Lamborghinis, Maybachs, Jaguars, BMWs, and McLarens.

Among the most remarkable cars in his collection are a Bentley Dominator SUV worth around $80 million, a Porsche 911 with a custom Horizon Blue paint job, and a 24-carat gold-plated Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II. One of his most prized possessions is a custom-made Rolls-Royce with an open roof and a gold-plated umbrella.

Sultan owns Private Zoo, Airplane, Tigers and more

In addition to his palace, the Sultan of Brunei owns a private zoo, complete with 30 Bengal tigers and a variety of exotic birds, and a Boeing 747 jet, reflecting his extravagant lifestyle.