Meet Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, King of Brunei, owner of over 7,000 luxury cars, who will host PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Brunei today, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, which spans two days, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and commemorate 40 years of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei. The invitation for the visit comes from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the second-longest reigning monarch in the world.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, renowned for his immense wealth and extravagant lifestyle, owns what is considered the world's largest private car collection. This collection, valued at an estimated $5 billion, includes over 7,000 luxurious vehicles. Among these, he has approximately 600 Rolls-Royce cars, which has earned him an official Guinness World Record. Additionally, his collection boasts around 450 Ferraris and 380 Bentleys.

According to various automotive sources, including CarBuzz and The South China Morning Post, the Sultan's collection also features Porsches, Lamborghinis, Maybachs, Jaguars, BMWs, and McLarens. Notable vehicles in his collection include a Bentley Dominator SUV valued at approximately $80 million, a Porsche 911 with Horizon Blue paint and an X88 power package, and a 24-carat gold-plated Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II. One of his prized possessions is a custom-designed Rolls-Royce with an open roof and an umbrella, lavishly designed with gold. In 2007, he acquired a custom gold-coated Rolls-Royce for his daughter Princess Majededah's wedding.


However, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's car collection is just one aspect of his luxurious lifestyle. He resides in the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest residential palace in the world. The palace spans over two million square feet and is adorned with 22-carat gold. It features five swimming pools, 1,700 bedrooms, 257 baths, and 110 garages.

The Sultan also owns a private zoo that houses 30 Bengal tigers and various bird species. Additionally, he possesses a Boeing 747 aircraft.

The visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations and economic cooperation between India and Brunei. With Brunei's wealth primarily derived from its oil and gas reserves, there is significant potential for collaboration in various sectors.

PM Modi's visit is seen as a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations and is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the future.