Meet man who owns 7,000 cars, over 1,700-room palace, golden jet worth Rs 4300 crore, his name is…, not richer than Mukesh Ambani
Wyatt Mason 
In September 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Brunei on an official bilateral trip. His two-day visit aimed to deepen India’s relationship with the Southeast Asian nation and marked 40 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. During the visit, PM Modi and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah held discussions on defense, trade, investment, energy, space technology, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. They also shared views on regional and global matters of mutual concern.
Meeting at the world’s largest palace
PM Modi was warmly received by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his family at Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan and the seat of Brunei’s government. This stunning palace holds the title of the world’s largest residential palace.
Who is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah?
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is known for his lavish lifestyle and is one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. He took the throne as Brunei’s 29th Sultan on August 1, 1968. His official title is His Majesty The Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The Sultan is married to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and is a father to five sons and seven daughters. His family has ruled Brunei for over 600 years, maintaining a legacy of power and influence in the region.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s Grand Palace
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah resides in the world’s largest residential palace, Istana Nurul Iman, located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Perched along the Brunei River, the palace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It was completed in 1984 to mark Brunei’s independence from British rule.
Holding a Guinness World Record, this enormous palace spans around 200,000 square meters. It boasts 1,788 rooms, including 257 lavish bathrooms. The grand banquet hall can seat 5,000 guests, while the palace mosque accommodates 1,500 worshippers.
The estate also includes a garage for 110 cars and air-conditioned stables housing the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies. The interiors are adorned with gold, marble, and exquisite chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of royal luxury.
Apart from being the Sultan’s residence, the palace serves as a venue for official events and state ceremonies. During the Hari Raya festival, certain sections of the palace are opened to the public for three days, allowing visitors a rare glimpse inside this architectural masterpiece.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s Enormous Wealth and Extravagant Collection
With an estimated net worth of USD 30 billion, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is among the wealthiest individuals in the world. His fortune primarily comes from Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves, making him one of the richest monarchs globally.
Billion-dollar car collection
The Sultan is known for his unmatched collection of luxury cars, valued at a staggering USD 5 billion. With over 7,000 vehicles, he holds the Guinness World Record for the largest private car collection. Among these are:
- 600 Rolls-Royces, including a custom gold-plated Rolls-Royce with an open roof and an umbrella, designed with gold detailing from the grill to the tires.
- A Bentley Dominator SUV, worth approximately USD 80 million.
- A Porsche 911 with Horizon Blue paint and an X88 power package.
- A 24-carat gold-plated Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II.
- A custom gold-coated Rolls-Royce, commissioned for his daughter Princess Majeedah’s wedding in 2007.
His collection also includes 450 Ferraris, 380 Bentleys, as well as Porsches, Lamborghinis, Maybachs, Jaguars, BMWs, and McLarens, according to various automotive sources.
Personal fleet of luxury aircraft
Beyond cars, the Sultan owns an impressive fleet of private aircraft, including:
- Boeing 747-8 (V8-BKH)
- Boeing 767-200 (V8-MHB)
- Boeing 787-8 (V8-OAS)
- Sikorsky S70 and S76 helicopters
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s gold-plated jet and private zoo
Among Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s most extravagant possessions is his gold-plated Boeing 747-400, a luxury aircraft valued at approximately USD 400 million. To make it even more opulent, he reportedly spent an additional USD 120 million on lavish customizations. This includes:
- Gold washbasins
- Crystal chandeliers adorned with Lalique crystals
- Custom interiors decorated with the finest materials
- The total cost of this flying palace is estimated to be around Rs. 4,366 crore.
The Sultan is also known for his exclusive private zoo, which houses rare and exotic animals. His collection includes:
- Around 30 Bengal tigers
- Falcons, flamingos, and cockatoos
Animals trained to perform unique tricks, such as playing basketball, riding bicycles, and even mimicking human speech
Royal grooming routine
Sultan Bolkiah’s attention to luxury extends even to personal grooming. According to reports, he spends USD 20,000 (over Rs. 16 lakh) per trip to fly his personal barber from London to Brunei for haircuts.
These lavish possessions and habits solidify Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reputation as one of the most extravagant rulers in the world.
