TLDR;
This video explores the opulent lifestyle and vast wealth of Kuwait's royal family, the House of Sabah, detailing their history, key members, real estate, automobile and aircraft collections, hobbies, philanthropic activities, and their impact on Kuwait and the world. The family's influence extends beyond their financial assets, highlighting their contributions to culture, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.
- The House of Sabah's net worth is around $260 billion, derived from oil reserves and diversified investments.
- Key members include the current Emir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Jabbar al-Sabah, and other influential figures like Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jabbar al-Sabah and Sheikh Michelle Al Ahmed al-jabbar al-sabah.
- Their real estate portfolio includes luxurious properties like the Marrakesh home, Darner Palace, and Bayan Palace.
- The family owns an impressive collection of automobiles, aircraft, and yachts, showcasing their extravagant lifestyle.
- They are actively involved in horse racing, art collecting, and philanthropic activities through organizations like the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
Kuwait as an Empire [0:27]
Kuwait, despite its small size, holds significant global influence due to its strategic location, substantial oil reserves, and unique blend of conservative Muslim traditions and Western liberalism. The country is undergoing a massive Marine City development project, the Sabah al-Ahmed Sea City, which aims to create over 200 kilometers of pristine beach, with over 84 kilometers already completed. This project seeks to provide residents and visitors with a new seaside paradise, blending tradition and modernity.
The House of Sabah [1:53]
The House of Sabah is known for its extravagant lifestyle, with palaces embellished with gold and precious stones, vast grounds, swimming pools, and tennis courts. With a net worth of around $260 billion, the family has a fascinating backstory, originating from nomadic tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. Sabah the First bin Jabber became the first Emir of Kuwait in 1752, establishing Kuwait as a hub of trade and commerce. The discovery of oil in the 1930s further boosted their wealth, and they have since diversified their investments across various industries, including finance, real estate, and telecommunications.
Key Notable Members [4:39]
Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Jabbar al-Sabah, the current Emir of Kuwait since September 2020, has been instrumental in boosting the nation's economy and developing its military force. He oversees Kuwait's energy policies as the head of the Supreme Petroleum Council. Despite his $8 million net worth and access to grand palaces, luxurious cars, and private jets, his contribution to Kuwait's economic growth is noteworthy. Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jabbar al-Sabah, born in 1929, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for 40 years and was known for his lavish lifestyle, including a custom Porsche 911 Turbo S valued at $888,888. Sheika Mariam Hamad al-Sabah, granddaughter of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, is known for her education from King's College London, linguistic abilities in Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Spanish, German, and Russian, and her impeccable style, often wearing outfits and jewelry worth millions of dollars. Sheikh Michelle Al Ahmed al-jabbar al-sabah, son of Kuwaiti Amir Ahmed al-jabbar al-sabah, graduated from Hendon Police College in 1960 and served in key positions, including head of state security and deputy chief of the National Guard. He was nominated as the Crown Prince of Kuwait in October 2020 and has represented Kuwait on the global stage, including at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Al-Sabah Real Estate Portfolio [12:26]
The Al-Sabah family's real estate portfolio includes exclusive properties such as the Moroccan home worth $3 million, known as the Marrakesh home, featuring antique doors and muted Earth tones. The Darner Palace, belonging to Sheikha Paula al-Sabah, features a facade covered with mushrooms and contemporary art worth millions. The Bayan Palace, the main palace of the Emir of Kuwait, opened in 1986, includes a full-size tennis court, an exquisite cinema, and a stunningly landscaped area, attended to by skilled butlers and maids, and houses a priceless collection of paintings and jewels.
The Al-Sabah Collection of Automobiles [14:56]
The Al-Sabah family's car collection features nearly 50 rare and valuable automobiles, including the original James Bond Aston Martin, a custom Porsche 911 Turbo S, and various Rolls-Royce models. The collection also includes a Porsche Carrera manufactured in the 1960s and a Ferrari F40 from the late 1980s. These cars are maintained in top condition by skilled mechanics. In addition to automobiles, the family has access to helicopters, a fleet of private jets, and several private islands.
Hobbies Fit for Royalty [18:16]
The House of Sabah is passionate about horse racing, breeding thoroughbreds and owning race courses around the world, including the Horse Racing Club in Kuwait and a stud farm spanning over 1,000 acres. They have sponsored international horse races in France, Germany, and Italy and partnered with Qatar's ruling family to build the Al-Rion stables in Qatar.
Art Collection [19:51]
The House of Sabah invests in fine, rare, and exquisite art pieces, including ancient Islamic manuscripts and contemporary Western art. One of the most awe-inspiring pieces is the Blue Quran, dating back to the 9th century. The family has established museums in Kuwait, such as the Tariq Rajab Museum and the DAR al-athar al-islamiya Museum, to showcase their collection to the public.
The Al-Sabah Collection of Aircrafts [21:32]
The Al-Sabah family's aircraft collection includes vintage planes, private jets, and helicopters, such as the Boeing 747-400, which is even larger than Donald Trump's private plane. The collection also features the Gulfstream Aerospace GV Gulf Stream and the Boeing 747-8, known for its safety and reliability.
Party Like Royalty [23:23]
The Al-Sabah family is known for throwing extravagant parties, including weddings and National Day celebrations on February 25th. These events feature celebrity musicians, opulent decorations, and gourmet cuisine.
The Al-Sabah Philanthropic Activities [24:26]
The Al-Sabah family supports contemporary artists through initiatives like the Al-Sabah Art and Design Awards. Their flagship organization, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), promotes scientific research and education. They have also established charitable organizations, such as the Al-Sabah Hospital and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and have provided aid during the Gulf War and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Sheikh Sabah al-amad al-jabbar al-Sabah received the global humanitarian award for his contributions to humanitarian causes.
The Future of the House of Sabah's Wealth and Legacy [29:04]
The House of Sabah has shaped the history of Kuwait and the Gulf region and is committed to progress and development. Their dedication to philanthropy and resilience positions them to continue impacting the lives of many people positively.