Written by john » Updated on: May 26th, 2025
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is known as one of the world’s last absolute monarchs and is also one of its wealthiest people. Because Hubert has made his money from oil, luxury assets and luxurious habits, everyone worldwide wants to know about his fortune. However, how did he make all his money and what do he spend it on?
The Sultan’s Staggering Net Worth
The calculations of his money differ, but many consider it to be somewhere between $20 billion and $30 billion which means he belongs to the ranks of the world’s wealthiest royals. While European kings rely on national budgets for their wealth, the sultan owns all of Brunei’s oil and controls it through his wealth management company, the BIA.
Where Does His Wealth Come From?
1- Oil and gas-based energy systems are leading today.
• For several decades, the royal family in Brunei has been supported by the more than one billion barrels of oil produced from its reserves.
• Almost all of Brunei’s GDP comes from the energy sector and the benefits go directly to the monarchy.
2- Global Investments
Some of the BIA’s biggest holdings are:
• London’s Dorchester Hotel
• Beverly Hills Hotel, in the USA
• Real estate that falls into the luxury category in Singapore, Australia and the UK
3- A corporation is considered a Private Business Empire.
• Royal Brunei Airlines belongs to the sultan as well as a private set of jets.
• He has made financial contributions to efforts in new technology, weapons systems and Islamic finance.
A Life of Extreme Luxury
Many people are shocked by how much the sultan likes to spend such as:
1. Castles Built for a King
• This palace has the title of the largest in the world, coming with 1,788 rooms, room for 110 vehicles and can hold 1,500 people for Friday prayers.
You can find wonderful private resorts in Bali, London and New York.
2. A Collection of the Most Expensive Cars & Jets
A group made up of 7,000+ luxury cars such as:
• A Rolls-Royce finished in gold
• Seldom do you see Ferraris and Lamborghinis on the street.
• A Boeing 747 that was prepared with detailed gold finishing.
3. Many toys, costly presents and enormous events.
• Usher reportedly sang at the five-million-dollar wedding, where a 24-carat gold invitation was handed out.
• She once spent $20,000 by bringing a celebrity stylist to her lavish haircut.
Controversies & Financial Risks
Although he is very wealthy, Brunei’s economy deals with various issues.
• If oil prices fall, Saudi Arabia’s government can expect a decline in revenue.
• People in Brunei are unhappy about the widespread inequality (there are citizens who live below the poverty line).
• Arguments about Sharia law have made foreign investors less interested in Saudi Arabia.
How the Sultan Protects His Fortune
• Adding tech, sector in green energy and financial investments to my portfolio.
• Increasing Partnerships with China & Saudi Arabia – Acquiring an additional source of income.
• Managing Brunei’s Finances – The BIA plans for the country’s financial future.
Is He the Richest Monarch?
While Sultan Bolkiah isn’t as rich as Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, he has more money than Britain’s King Charles. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s wealth is still safe, at least for now, but Brunei’s long-term prospects lie outside the world of oil.
Final Thought: A Modern-Day Midas
He earns his wealth from profit in shared resources, well-planned investments and personal opulence. How successful the Brunei economy will be depends on its readiness to change with global changes.
Browse our latest blog : https://www.networthmama.com/
Note: IndiBlogHub features both user-submitted and editorial content. We do not verify third-party contributions. Read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policyfor details.
Copyright © 2019-2025 IndiBlogHub.com. All rights reserved. Hosted on DigitalOcean for fast, reliable performance.