These five monarchs are the richest and most powerful in the world wielding great influence in their respective countries.
Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), King of Thailand
1. Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), King of Thailand — $30 billion
King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), son of Bhumibol Adulyadej the late king of Thailand is surely the richest monarch in the world.
The 66-year-old who was crowned King following the death of his late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 13th of October 2016 signed the royal family’s $30bn fortune over to himself.
His late father before his death was the richest monarch in the world. He also was the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.
The assets King Maha Vajiralongkorn Rama X signed to himself include: over 3,000 acres of land in central Bangkok and shares in Siam Cement and Siam Commercial Bank, 545-carat Golden Jubilee Diamond, the largest cut and faceted diamond in the world and many others which all belonged to his late father.
Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei
2. Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei — $20 billion
The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah is stinkingly rich and according to a forbes 2011 report, he is estimated to be worth over $20 billion. He became the Sultan after his father abdicated the throne in 1967.
He holds the record as the second longest-reigning monarch in the world alive, behind Elizabeth II. The Sultan makes his money from exports of oil and natural gas. It has been revealed that he makes around $147 every second, which is why he has grown very rich and powerful.
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia
3. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia — $18 billion
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is said to be worth a staggering $18 billion, according to a 2011 forbes report.
His source of income is majorly oil and his family’s ownership of a media group that includes the pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat and Al Eqtisadiah.
Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi
4. Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi — $15 billion
The Emir of Abu Dhabi and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan is the fourth richest monarch in the world with an estimated wealth of $15 billion.
A forbes 2011 report revealed that he is the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages the UAE’s excess oil reserves, estimated to be worth up to half a trillion dollars.
With the UAE emerging as a tourism centre for many in the world, he is sure to make more money from his other investments.
Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Emir Sheikh of Dubai
5. Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Emir Sheikh of Dubai — $4 billion
Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He is estimated to be worth $4 billion in 2011, according to Forbes. He is also a philanthropist and controls what has become one of the world’s tourist destinations in the world – Dubai.