World's wealthiest family owns 700 cars and Rs 4,000-cr palace!

Dubai Royal Family: The Al Nahyan royal family of Dubai has cemented its status as the world's wealthiest, according to a report by GQ. Headed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, widely known as MBZ, the family boasts opulent assets, including a colossal Rs 4,078 crore presidential palace – equivalent to the size of three Pentagons. This affluent family, with MBZ at its helm, comprises 18 brothers, 11 sisters, nine children and 18 grandchildren.

The Al Nahyan royal family's wealth is rooted in its ownership of about six percent of the world's oil reserves, a colossal stake that propels them into the echelons of global affluence. Beyond the oil industry, their diverse portfolio includes ownership of the famed Manchester City football club and investments in prominent companies, ranging from singer Rihanna's beauty brand Fenty to Elon Musk's groundbreaking venture, Space X.

One prominent member, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan al Nahyan, the younger brother of the Abu Dhabi ruler, has amassed an astounding collection of over 700 cars. This includes the world's largest SUV, along with luxury vehicles like five Bugatti Veyrons, a Lamborghini Reventon, a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, a Ferrari 599XX, and a McLaren MC12.

The Dubai royal family resides in the resplendent Qasr Al-Watan presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, which spans nearly 94 acres. This majestic abode features a magnificent chandelier adorned with 350,000 crystals and houses an extensive collection of prized historic artifacts. Beyond this opulent residence, the Al Nahyan royal family possesses several other palaces across the UAE.

Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, another significant figure within the family, oversees the family's chief investment company. In the last five years, this company's value has soared by an astounding 28,000 percent, currently standing at an impressive $235 billion. The company's diverse portfolio spans agriculture, energy, entertainment, and maritime businesses, employing tens of thousands of individuals.

The Dubai royals extend their global footprint with luxury properties in prestigious locations such as Paris and London. The family's former head earned the moniker "landlord of London" due to their extensive property holdings in the UK's most affluent neighbourhoods.

Comparisons to the British royal family are not unwarranted. A report by the New Yorker in 2015 highlighted the Dubai royal family's assets, drawing parallels to the British monarchy. Notably, in 2008, MBZ's Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the UK football team Manchester City for a staggering Rs 2,122 crore. This group also holds an 81 percent ownership stake in the City Football Group, overseeing operations for football clubs like Manchester City, Mumbai City, Melbourne City, and New York City.

In essence, the Al Nahyan royal family's wealth transcends boundaries, reflecting not only their prominence in the UAE but also their significant global influence and diversified investments. Their opulent lifestyle and expansive holdings underscore their position as one of the wealthiest and most influential families on the world stage.

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