The Sultan Of Brunei's Skiing Adventures

The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the world's longest-reigning and few remaining absolute monarchs. He ascended the throne in 1967, and the country gained independence from the UK in 1984. The Sultan is a car enthusiast, with an estimated 7,000 cars in his collection, and is believed to have kept Rolls-Royce and Bentley afloat during their darkest days. He is also a polo player and has played with Prince Charles. In addition to his car collection, the Sultan has a private zoo with 30 Bengal tigers and is believed to fly a barber from The Dorchester hotel in London to cut his hair. However, there is no information about whether the Sultan skis.

The Sultan's wealth

The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the world's wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of around $30 billion as of 2023. He is the 29th Sultan of Brunei and has been in power since 1967, making him the world's longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state.

The Sultan is known for his extravagant spending and luxurious lifestyle. He owns a private fleet of VIP aircraft, including a Boeing 747-8, a Boeing 767-200, and a Boeing 787-8, as well as helicopters such as Sikorsky S70 and S76. He also has a collection of custom-made luxury cars, including Bentleys, Ferraris, BMWs, and a McLaren F1 LM. His car collection is estimated to be worth over $5 billion and consists of over 7,000 cars, including around 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys.

In addition to his car collection, the Sultan regularly flies his barber in from London and lives in the world's largest palace, further showcasing his immense wealth. He also spent an estimated $200 million on the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1992, which included building a 6,000-seat mosque, 21 guest homes, an exhibition centre, and purchasing 200 Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

The Sultan's role in Brunei

The Sultan of Brunei is the monarchical head of state and head of government in his capacity as prime minister. The current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the few remaining absolute monarchs in the world.

Hassanal Bolkiah became the 29th Sultan of Brunei in 1967, ascending to the throne following the abdication of his father, Omar Ali Saifuddien III. He was officially crowned in 1968, and Brunei gained independence from the UK in 1984. Since then, the Sultan has also served as the country's prime minister.

In addition to his role as monarch and prime minister, the Sultan also acts as the minister of defence, finance, and foreign affairs. He is the head of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and has the power to appoint ministers.

The Sultan is one of the world's wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of $30 billion as of 2023. This is largely due to the country's oil and gas reserves. The Sultan regularly allocates land lots and housing to deserving residents under various government schemes.

In recent years, the Sultan has faced criticism and international condemnation for introducing strict Islamic Sharia law in the country, which includes harsh penalties for crimes such as adultery and homosexuality. However, he appears to enjoy genuine popularity among his subjects, and he has led the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sultan's car collection

The 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is known for his extravagant car collection, which is considered one of the largest private car collections in the world. With an estimated value of over $5 billion, the collection boasts approximately 7,000 cars, including custom-made Bentleys, Ferraris, BMWs, and a McLaren F1 LM.

The Sultan's passion for cars is well-known, and he is said to have kept Rolls-Royce and Bentley afloat during their difficult times. In fact, about half of all Rolls-Royces and Bentleys sold in the early and mid-1990s were purchased by the Sultan and his family. Many of these cars were bespoke and designed specifically for them.

Among the most notable cars in the Sultan's collection are:

• A Bentley Dominator SUV valued at approximately $80 million.
• A Porsche 911 with Horizon Blue paint and an X88 power package.
• A 24-carat gold-plated Silver Spur II.
• Aston Martins, McLarens, and Bugattis.
• A custom gold-coated Rolls-Royce for his daughter Princess Majededah's wedding in 2007.

The collection also includes around 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys. The Sultan holds the Guinness World Record for the largest private Rolls-Royce collection, with over 500 cars.

The car collection is kept in a secure location, guarded by German Shepherds and armed Gurkhas. Visitors are required to surrender their passports and photos upon arrival and must be accompanied by a guide at all times.

The Sultan's love for cars extends beyond just collecting them. He has also played a crucial role in keeping Rolls-Royce and Bentley in business during tough times, and his custom orders have helped create unique and exclusive vehicles that bear his distinctive mark.

The Sultan's palace

The Istana Nurul Iman, or the Palace of Faith and Light, is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. It is one of the largest residential palaces in the world, with 1,788 rooms, including 57 bedrooms, and 257 bathrooms. The palace was designed by Leandro Locsin, a Filipino architect, and was completed in 1984, the same year that Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom. The palace cost around $1.4 billion to build and is a combination of Malay and Islamic architectural styles.

The palace is located on a sprawling 400-acre site on the banks of the Brunei River in the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. It is surrounded by lush gardens, manicured lawns, and picturesque water features. The interior of the palace is just as grand as the exterior, with luxurious furnishings, intricate details, and opulent finishes. The palace is said to have a grand banquet hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 guests and a mosque that can accommodate 1,500 worshippers.

The Istana Nurul Iman is more than just a residence; it is also the heart of Brunei's government and administration. The palace houses the Prime Minister's Office, as the Sultan himself serves as the country's Prime Minister. Additionally, the palace is where the Sultan receives foreign dignitaries, hosts state functions, and conducts official business. The palace is also where the Sultan and his family celebrate important cultural and religious events, such as Eid al-Fitr and the Sultan's birthday.

The palace is typically off-limits to the public, but during the annual three-day Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, the gates are opened, and thousands of Brunei citizens are invited to enter and greet the Sultan and his family. This tradition showcases the Sultan's accessibility and connection to his people. During this time, the palace's grand halls and reception areas are adorned with decorations, and the grounds are filled with colourful lights and displays.

The Istana Nurul Iman is a symbol of Brunei's wealth and prosperity, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the country's transformation from a small sultanate to a modern, oil-rich nation. The palace's grandeur and opulence are a reflection of the Sultan's power and influence, both within Brunei and on the global stage.

The Sultan's international relations

The Sultan of Brunei is the monarchical head of state and the head of government as the Prime Minister. The current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, has been in power since 1967 and is one of the world's few absolute monarchs. He is also the world's longest-serving current head of state and has a net worth of $30 billion as of 2023.

The Sultan has also played a significant role in establishing and maintaining diplomatic ties with various countries. Brunei has forged relations with Singapore, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Kuwait, Kenya, and Bahrain. The Sultan has also chaired international summits, such as the APEC Leaders Summit in 2000 and the ASEAN Summits in 2013 and 2021.

In terms of foreign policy, the Sultan has prioritised maintaining the monarchical political structure and has expressed concerns about the country's security and defence capabilities. He has negotiated with the British government to retain a limited presence of British troops in Brunei and has emphasised the importance of domestic enterprises over reliance on specific income sources.

Frequently asked questions