FX.co ★ Ten wealthiest monarchs in the world

Maha Vajiralongkorn

King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn with a net worth estimated at $43 billion is the richest monarch in the world. His wealth is built on several key assets, including stakes in leading national companies such as a cement conglomerate and one of Thailand’s largest banks. He also controls extensive real estate holdings in Bangkok. In recent years, his vast fortune has drawn criticism from protesters, unhappy with the rising poverty in the country.

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi ranks second among the world’s wealthiest monarchs with a fortune of $30 billion. His immense wealth comes from vast business interests, particularly in the energy sector. The Al Nahyan family owns about 6% of the world's oil reserves, which serves as their primary source of income. Besides, the UAE ruling family’s portfolio includes expensive real estate, including the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, valued at $475 million.

Hassanal Bolkiah

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has ruled Brunei since 1967 and is also among the world's wealthiest monarchs, with a fortune of $28 billion. The primary source of his income comes from Brunei’s enormous oil and gas reserves, which make up the bulk of the country's GDP and support the entire royal family. The Sultan is known for his lavish lifestyle and love of collecting luxury cars—his collection reportedly exceeds 7,000 vehicles. His palace is one of the largest in the world, with 257 bathrooms and five swimming pools.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

The ruler of Saudi Arabia ranks fourth among the richest monarchs globally, with a current net worth of nearly $18 billion. His growing fortune is bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, which is the country’s primary source of income. Apart from that, the Al Saud family manages diversified investments in sectors such as banking, real estate, and telecommunications, further enhancing their financial power.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum holds several key positions in the UAE. He is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the country and the ruler of Dubai. His fortune is estimated at nearly $14 billion. Al Maktoum played a crucial role in transforming Dubai into a global metropolis. He spearheaded the establishment of companies such as Emirates Airlines, Jumeirah Group, and DP World, which significantly contributed to the region’s economic development. Under his leadership, iconic projects such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the Palm Islands were built in Dubai.

Hans-Adam II

The Prince of Liechtenstein is acknowledged to be the wealthiest monarch in Europe. His current fortune is between $4 and $9 billion. The primary source of his wealth is the family’s LGT Group bank, which manages assets worth over $300 billion. In addition, Hans-Adam II owns significant land holdings, including castles in Austria and vineyards, and he collects expensive art pieces, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck.

Henri Albert Gabriel Félix Marie Guillaume Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Henri who has ruled since 2000 possesses a fortune of over $4 billion. Notably, he does not receive an annual salary as head of state. The main sources of his wealth are vast assets, including investments in various industries such as agriculture and renewable energy. It is also known that the Duke’s family holds many valuable properties both in Luxembourg and abroad.

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

The Emir of Qatar’s personal fortune is estimated at over $2 billion. His primary source of income comes from managing the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), a sovereign wealth fund that invests billions of dollars in various global projects. Additionally, Al Thani holds a significant stake in The Shard skyscraper in London. He also owns Oryx Qatar Sports Investments, which includes assets such as the Paris Saint-Germain football club.

Mohammed VI

The King of Morocco, with an estimated net worth of around $2 billion, is one of the wealthiest monarchs in Africa. The main source of his wealth is a 35% stake in Societe Nationale d'Investissement, a private investment company that holds shares in major Moroccan companies such as Attijariwafa Bank, OCP Group, and Managem Group. Additionally, Mohammed VI owns several luxurious palaces and vast land holdings in Morocco and beyond. One of his most famous properties is a palace in Casablanca, which reportedly costs $1 million per month to maintain.

Albert II

Rounding out the list of the world’s richest monarchs is Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose fortune is estimated at $1 billion. Most of his wealth is tied to Monaco’s prosperous economy, which thrives on tourism and real estate. Monaco is famous for its luxurious casinos, yachts, and elite real estate, attracting wealthy individuals from around the globe. In addition, Albert II owns family businesses and shares, which also generate substantial income.