Sultan of Brunei to host PM Modi at Istana Nurul Iman; Know all about the world's largest palace

Istana Nurul Iman Palace, Inset-Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (Image-X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. This historic visit commemorates 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei and follows a personal invitation from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world's second-longest reigning monarch.

As a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi was received by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport. Modi was accorded a warm welcome and given a guard of honour at the airport.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who will be hosting Prime Minister Modi, is known for his influence and the unique status Brunei holds on the global stage.

Who is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah?

Born on July 15, 1946, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei. He ascended the throne on October 5, 1967, after his father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, abdicated in his favour. With over five decades of rule, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah stands as one of the longest-serving current heads of state in the world.

Sultan’s Wealth and Lifestyle

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is renowned not only for his lengthy reign and political influence but also for his immense wealth and extravagant lifestyle. His net worth is estimated at around $28 billion, placing him among the globe's wealthiest individuals.

The Sultan’s opulent lifestyle is the stuff of legend. He is famous for his vast collection of luxury cars, reportedly owning over 7,000 vehicles, including rare and custom-made models from Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and Bentley. His private jet, a Boeing 747, is also famously adorned with gold accents and luxurious fittings.

The Istana Nurul Iman Palace
A striking symbol of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's wealth is his official residence, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace. This magnificent palace is the largest residential palace in the world, sprawling over 2.15 million square feet. Located near the Brunei River, just a few kilometers from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, the palace is an architectural marvel.

The palace was designed by Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin and completed in 1984. Istana Nurul Iman boasts 1,788 rooms, including 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall that can host up to 5,000 guests, and a mosque with a capacity for 1,500 people. The palace also houses five swimming pools, a stable for the Sultan's prized polo ponies, and an extensive garage housing his remarkable car collection.

Notably, the palace is also the venue for official state functions and the Sultan's annual birthday celebrations, where he opens the palace to thousands of citizens and visitors.