When we think of the world’s wealthiest individuals, names like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mukesh Ambani, Mark Zuckerberg, and Warren Buffett often dominate the headlines. But behind all the billionaire buzz lies a dynasty whose combined fortune eclipses them all, the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia, known as the House of Saud. Surprisingly, the world’s richest family doesn’t hail from Silicon Valley or Wall Street. They come from the heart of the Middle East, ruling over one of the most resource-rich nations in the world, Saudi Arabia.
The House of Saud is not just a royal family, it is an empire. With an estimated net worth of £1.1 trillion ($1.4 trillion), their combined fortune surpasses that of Elon Musk and Amazon‘s Jeff Bezos combined. To put it into perspective, Musk’s net worth hovers around £313 billion ($396 billion), while Bezos follows with £190 billion ($240 billion). The House of Saud towers above them.
The Saudi royal family‘s immense wealth is rooted in oil. As the rulers of the world’s largest oil exporter, the family has long enjoyed the benefits of controlling one of Earth’s most valuable resources. The country’s national oil company, Saudi Aramco, is among the most profitable in the world, and much of its success contributes to the royal fortune. But their wealth doesn’t just come from oil. The House of Saud has invested in real estate, art, technology, private enterprises, and more, spreading its financial reach across global markets.
It is no secret that the Saudi royals live in a world of unparalleled opulence.Their assets include private jets, mega-yachts, palatial homes, priceless art, and exotic car collections. For instance, the family owns the world’s largest private jet, a customised Boeing 747-400, fitted with some of the most extravagant aircraft interiors ever seen. Some royals drive gold-plated cars, including luxury models like the Lamborghini Aventador and Rolls-Royce Phantom, contributing to a garage worth over $22 million. Al Yamamah Palace, where the king resides, is said to have over 1,000 rooms, a city of opulence in itself.
The House of Saud is massive, with approximately 15,000 family members, though the real power and wealth are concentrated in the hands of about 2,000 close relatives. At the helm is King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who ascended the throne in 2015, following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah. King Salman is one of the “Sudairi Seven,” seven powerful sons born to Hassa bint Ahmed al-Sudairi, the favorite wife of the kingdom’s founder, Ibn Saud.
Next in line is Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince since 2017, MBS has been both a visionary reformer and a controversial figure. He is credited with launching Vision 2030, a sweeping plan to modernise Saudi Arabia, diversify its economy, and reduce oil dependency. But his legacy is also marred by criticism over human rights issues, the war in Yemen, and the crackdown on dissent. Despite the controversies, his wealth and lifestyle are staggering. MBS reportedly owns the $400 million superyacht Serene, which features two helipads, underwater viewing chambers, and ultra-luxurious suites.
The Al Saud dynasty has ruled Saudi Arabia for over eight decades, with a lineage tracing back to the 18th century. It is one of the world’s oldest and most influential monarchies, combining conservative Islamic governance with vast modern wealth. Unlike other royal families who function as figureheads, the House of Saud actively governs. Their influence stretches across politics, religion, economics, and global diplomacy. By comparison, the British royal family, perhaps the world’s most famous monarchy, has a net worth that’s only a fraction of the House of Saud’s. While Queen Elizabeth II (in her time) and now King Charles III maintain castles and land, their personal and institutional fortunes are nowhere near the trillions controlled by the Saudis.
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