The Trillionaire Life of Saudi Prince Salman
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00:00Ever wondered what it's like to have more money than you could ever spend?
00:03You could buy a yacht just because you like it,
00:05and also spend hundreds of millions on a paint job just to hang it on that yacht.
00:09Well, this isn't a fantasy for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,
00:12who has a bank account that breathes trillions.
00:14Prince Salman's life is anything but ordinary.
00:16While most of us worry about rent, he is deciding which of his mansions to sleep in.
00:20Get ready to be amazed by as we explore Prince Salman's world
00:24where luxury has no limits and neither does his bank account.
00:26Extravagant Lifestyle
00:28Prince Salman of Saudi Arabia lives a life of immense wealth and luxury,
00:32showcasing the extravagance of the Saudi royal family.
00:34The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is famous for his love of luxury.
00:38And by love, we mean a passion so intense it makes the Taj Mahal look modest.
00:42He didn't just live in a palace, he lived in a place that made Versailles look like a playhouse.
00:46In 2014, Crown Prince decided that living on land was too ordinary.
00:50He needed a yacht.
00:51But not just any yacht.
00:53A floating palace named Pegasus.
00:54This wasn't just a yacht, it was a kingdom on water.
00:57The interior was like a golden dream,
00:59with every chair resembling a throne and tables that seemed to shine brighter than the sun.
01:04Picture carpets so thick you could lose a shoe in them
01:06and chandeliers that made Swarovski crystals look dull.
01:10Each stateroom was a luxurious retreat
01:12with bathrooms bigger than most city apartments and beds that could lull you to sleep.
01:16The amenities in this yacht are legendary.
01:18A spa with 24-carat gold-infused oils,
01:21a gym more advanced than an Olympic training center,
01:23a cinema and dining areas fit for a king or a small army.
01:26The cost? A cool dollar 200 million.
01:29Pocket change for the Crown Prince.
01:30Maintaining Pegasus was a big job too,
01:32requiring millions each year to keep everything polished and running smoothly.
01:36In 2015, not satisfied with just one luxury yacht,
01:39Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bought another.
01:42Serene.
01:42Originally owned by vodka tycoon Yuri Scheffler,
01:45Serene made Pegasus look like a rowboat.
01:48This massive yacht, measuring 134 meters long,
01:51was more luxurious than the entire French Riviera.
01:54Hosting up to 24 guests in staterooms that made Buckingham Palace look basic,
01:58Serene was a world of its own.
02:00The amenities included a spa that left guests looking younger,
02:03a gym, a movie theater with a screen visible from space,
02:06an onboard helicopter,
02:07and even a submarine for underwater adventures.
02:10The decks of Serene were like a five-star resort,
02:12with swimming pools large enough for regattas,
02:14a jacuzzi with bubbles that spelt out compliments,
02:17and dining areas with breathtaking views.
02:19The price for Serene? A staggering 550 million dollars.
02:23That's enough to buy a small island or fund a space program.
02:26But for the Crown Prince, it was just another toy.
02:28In 2016, both yachts underwent major refits in the Netherlands.
02:32These weren't just minor upgrades,
02:33they were complete services that made even the most extravagant renovations look simple.
02:37The yachts came out of the shipyard shining brighter than the crown jewels,
02:41ready to sail the seas in unmatched luxury.
02:43However, Prince Mohammed bin Salman also made a big splash in the art world
02:47when he bought a painting called Salvatore Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci
02:51for a whopping 450 million dollars in 2017.
02:55The painting, which shows Jesus Christ as the savior of the world,
02:58is one of the most expensive art pieces ever sold.
03:01There was a lot of mystery surrounding who bought it,
03:03but it was later revealed that it was the Saudi Prince bin Salman himself,
03:07with Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev,
03:09a man with a penchant for the exquisite,
03:11acting as a stand-in for none other than Prince Salman.
03:14The stakes were high and the competition fierce,
03:16particularly from the Qatari royals,
03:18who were determined to claim the masterpiece for themselves.
03:21There's a lot of talk about whether the painting is a da Vinci and where it is now.
03:25Some people think it's on the prince's luxury yacht,
03:27where it can be enjoyed in private.
03:29This just adds to the prince's reputation for living a life of luxury
03:32and collecting the rarest and most valuable things in the world.
03:36As if that was not enough, in a move that left everyone surprised,
03:39Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bought the Chateau Louis XIV
03:42for a whopping 320 million dollars,
03:44making it one of the most jaw-dropping real estate purchases ever.
03:48This luxurious estate, located in Louveciennes, France,
03:51looks like something straight out of the 17th century,
03:53but is packed with all the latest tech.
03:55The Chateau Louis XIV covers more than 50,000 acres
03:58and reflects the prince's love for luxury and extravagance.
04:01It's just a short distance from the historic Palace of Versailles
04:04and was designed to mimic the grand style of the Sun King's era,
04:08but with modern perks that only a trillionaire could afford.
04:11The 54,000-square-foot palace is filled with amenities
04:15that redefine what it means to live in luxury.
04:17It has a wine cellar that can hold 3,000 bottles,
04:20a private movie theater, and not just one but two grand ballrooms.
04:23The doors and fixtures are covered in gold
04:25and there's an indoor swimming pool with a ceiling that rains down water,
04:28adding a surreal touch to the place.
04:30The Chateau's standout feature is an underwater meditation room.
04:33Yes, you read that right.
04:35A room underwater, surrounded by koi and sturgeon in the castle's moat.
04:38It's the perfect spot for some peaceful contemplation.
04:41Above this, a Carrara marble statue of Louis XIV stands guard,
04:45reminding everyone of the historical inspiration behind the estate.
04:49The grounds are just as impressive,
04:50featuring a complex that stretches over 1.2 miles,
04:54gilded statues, and a garden designed to be as majestic as Versailles.
04:58The Chateau is also high-tech,
04:59allowing you to control the lighting and water features with a tap on your smartphone.
05:04It's a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience
05:06with a splash of opulence and a hint of humor,
05:09because who doesn't need a gold-covered door or an underwater room?
05:12Prince Mohammed bin Salman's passion for art
05:14and his role as a prominent art collector are not well-documented.
05:18However, his acquisition of the Chateau Louis XVIII,
05:21a modern emulation of 17th-century grandeur,
05:23suggests that he may have an appreciation for art and architecture.
05:27Beyond the Chateau Louis XIV,
05:29Prince Salman owns several grand homes that epitomize royal living.
05:32Each palace is like its own kingdom,
05:34offering a haven where luxury reigns supreme.
05:37The Al Yamamah Palace is incredibly large and beautifully designed.
05:40Inside, everything is luxurious,
05:42with Italian marble floors and intricately carved ceilings and walls.
05:46The furniture is exceptionally comfortable and elegant, fit for royalty.
05:49Another of Prince Salman's homes, the Urqa Palace, is equally impressive.
05:53It is filled with high-quality furnishings and luxurious details.
05:56The artwork on the walls is carefully chosen to enhance the palace's elegant atmosphere.
06:01Even everyday items in these palaces are made of gold,
06:04like gold-plated Kleenex dispensers.
06:06This shows a lifestyle where even the simplest things are turned into luxury items.
06:10Prince Salman's palatial spread doesn't end within the borders of Saudi Arabia.
06:14Prince Salman also owns luxury apartments in New York City,
06:17including a penthouse at 432 Park Avenue,
06:20one of the tallest residential buildings in the world.
06:22This penthouse is more than just a home,
06:24it's a symbol of his influence and presence.
06:27Saudi Arabia's public investment fund holds a five-cent stake in Uber,
06:30but it's doubtful the prince will be using Uber any moment from now.
06:34Prince Bin Salman has a remarkable collection of luxury cars and private jets,
06:38highlighting his love for high-end transportation.
06:41His vehicles and jets are not just about travel,
06:43they represent unmatched style, speed and elegance,
06:46something peasants can't relate to.
06:48At the core of his car collection is the Bugatti Chiron,
06:51an engineering marvel that pushes the boundaries of speed and luxury.
06:54It can reach speeds of 261 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 2.4 seconds.
07:00The Chiron, priced at $3 million,
07:02is just a small entrant in the prince's lavish spending.
07:05Other cars in his collection include the Lamborghini Aventador,
07:08McLaren P1 and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
07:11Each car reflects a different aspect of his personality.
07:14The Aventador with its aggressive design and power,
07:17the P1 with its hybrid technology and track performance
07:20and the Phantom with its classic elegance and comfort.
07:22The prince enjoys showcasing his refined tastes.
07:25Prince Salman's love for luxury extends to the skies with his private jets,
07:29including a custom Airbus A380 and a Boeing 747.
07:34The Airbus, costing a modest $450 million,
07:37is like a flying palace with a concert hall,
07:39Turkish bath and a garage for his cars.
07:42Why not have a garage on your plane?
07:44The Boeing 747, typically a symbol of commercial aviation,
07:47has been turned into a private haven,
07:49offering the ultimate in airborne luxury.
07:51After all, nothing says opulence like a personalized jumbo jet.
07:55This didn't just stop at high-end luxuries as the sports world was buzzing
07:58when Prince Salman decided to dip into football by buying Newcastle United
08:02for a cool $388 million after failing to acquire Manchester United
08:07through the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
08:09This wasn't just any buy, it was a major shake-up for the Premier League.
08:12Newcastle United, a team that had been pretty quiet for a while,
08:15suddenly got a huge boost with the prince's deep pockets,
08:18the magpies were ready to fly high.
08:20In 2022, they started showing off their new wealth
08:23and everyone was guessing how big they could get.
08:25The prince didn't just want a football club, he wanted to leave a mark.
08:28With more money than anyone else could dream of,
08:30the club started eyeing top players like James Tarkowski and Sergi Roberto.
08:35They were aiming to become a team that could win some titles.
08:38Prince Salman had ambitions beyond just owning a football club
08:41and indulging in luxuries.
08:42His immense wealth fueled his passion for making more impact,
08:45philanthropy and charity.
08:47Prince Salman is quite a generous soul,
08:49a man who spends lavishly to showcase his wealth and power.
08:52His gift-giving isn't just about goodwill,
08:54it's a grand display of his royal status and influence.
08:57Take for instance the much-talked-about moment
08:59when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex,
09:01received a pair of diamond earrings valued at a modest half a million pounds.
09:05These weren't just any earrings,
09:06they were wedding gifts that sparkled almost as much as the hype around the event itself.
09:11Then there's the unforgettable 2020 incident with rapper Lil Wayne.
09:14After a little airport trouble,
09:16Prince Salman decided to soothe the situation with some casual gifts,
09:20a Frank Muller watch and a sleek black Lamborghini.
09:22Because nothing says sorry about that quite like a luxury watch and a sports car.
09:26And let's not forget his contributions to the world of sports.
09:29Following the Saudi national football team's victory over Argentina,
09:33each player was rewarded with a Rolls Royce Phantom,
09:36each valued at about 500,000 euros.
09:38These cars weren't just rewards,
09:40they were symbols of the Prince's immense pride and his flair for the extravagant.
09:44Yes, Prince Salman knows how to make a statement with expensive gifts.
09:47Additionally, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been working to create a more progressive
09:51Saudi Arabia through both his charitable efforts and significant social reforms.
09:56His charity work is mainly done through the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation,
10:00also known as MISC, which aims to empower young people in Saudi Arabia and promote innovation.
10:05MISC focuses on several key areas, education, culture and technology,
10:09to help young Saudis excel in various fields such as arts, sciences, business and entrepreneurship.
10:15For example, MISC schools offer education that encourages excellence and leadership.
10:19The foundation's initiatives are designed to nurture talent,
10:22encourage critical thinking and prepare the youth for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
10:26Beyond education, Prince Mohammed bin Salman supports contemporary art through the MISC Art
10:31Institute and helps new entrepreneurs with the MISC Innovation Initiative.
10:35The MISC Art Institute promotes contemporary art and cultural engagement,
10:39while MISC Innovation fosters a startup ecosystem that supports upcoming entrepreneurs.
10:44These efforts are part of a larger plan to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy
10:48and reduce its dependence on oil by investing in its people and their creativity.
10:52However, one notable example of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's generosity
10:57is Saudi Arabia's support for Rohingya refugees.
11:00Fleeing violence in Myanmar, the Rohingya received $18.1 million in aid from Saudi Arabia,
11:05helping provide essential services like shelter, healthcare and education in Bangladesh and Malaysia.
11:11The Crown Prince has also shown a strong commitment to helping Syrian refugees.
11:15Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has given $178.3 million to Syrian refugees in Jordan,
11:21$88.7 million in Turkey and $95.7 million in Lebanon.
11:26This money supports humanitarian projects that
11:29meet refugees' immediate needs and help their host communities.
11:32In Yemen, the Crown Prince has overseen extensive aid efforts since the conflict began in 2015.
11:38Saudi Arabia has contributed $11.18 billion in humanitarian aid,
11:43development support and relief efforts to help the Yemeni people.
11:46The Crown Prince's philanthropy extends to Palestine as well.
11:49Since 2000, Saudi Arabia has donated over $5.5 billion in development,
11:54humanitarian and charitable aid, showing its strong support for the Palestinian cause.
11:59In Africa, the Crown Prince has directed aid to countries struggling with poverty and instability.
12:04For instance, Somalia has received $177.3 million in assistance from Saudi Arabia.
12:10One of the Prince's most significant acts of kindness was donating
12:14SR100 million to different charities across the country.
12:17This substantial sum was carefully distributed to ensure it reached the
12:20most needy and vulnerable segments of society, offering both financial support and hope.
12:25Another example of his compassion is the SR13 million he used to pay off the debts of more
12:30than 150 insolvent prisoners. This act freed these individuals from debt, giving them a
12:35second chance at life and allowing them to reunite with their families and rejoin society.
12:40Well, it is clear that the Saudi royal family has a long history of giving to charity,
12:44and this tradition continues with their support for the Ehsan charity platform.
12:48Ehsan is a digital system that has changed how donations are made and distributed in Saudi Arabia.
12:53Supported by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,
12:56Ehsan shows the royal family's dedication to helping others.
13:00King Salman donated $8 million to Ehsan while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gave $5.3 million.
13:07These large contributions have been crucial for Ehsan's success.
13:10So far, Ehsan has helped over 4 million people with more than $391 million in aid.
13:15The platform focuses on transparency and efficiency, making sure donations go to
13:20those in need, such as orphans, the sick, the elderly, and people living in poor conditions.
13:25Ehsan is more than just a charity tool, it supports the broader goals of Vision 2030.
13:30This vision aims to create a vibrant society and a thriving economy by
13:34promoting a culture of giving and social support.
13:36Ehsan encourages citizens and residents to take part in the nation's development through
13:41generosity, strengthening the social fabric of Saudi Arabia.
13:44Prince Mohammed bin Salman is deeply committed to helping his people,
13:48as seen in the Sanad Mohammed bin Salman social enterprise program.
13:51This program isn't just about charity, it's a crucial support system for many in Saudi Arabia.
13:56It helps various groups, including women's charitable societies,
14:00organizations for people with disabilities, cancer care foundations, and services for the elderly.
14:04Prince Mohammed is also leading several social reforms that have significantly changed Saudi
14:10society. One notable reform is the Decree Allowing Women to Drive, which was a historic
14:14move that dismantled a long-standing restriction and symbolized a new era of female empowerment
14:19in the kingdom. This decision was part of a broader agenda to enhance women's rights and
14:23participation in the workforce, aligning with Vision 2030's goals of increasing women's
14:28economic engagement. Cultural changes are also underway, with
14:32an increase in entertainment and cultural events like concerts featuring international
14:36artists and the reopening of public cinemas after a decades-long ban.
14:40These events are not mere diversions, they represent a strategic effort to cultivate
14:45a vibrant cultural scene and lay the groundwork for a thriving tourism industry.
14:49And all these are possible because of Prince Salman's efforts.
14:52In addition, the creation of the General Entertainment Authority,
14:55guided by Prince Mohammed, has been crucial in promoting this entertainment and improving
14:59the quality of life for Saudi citizens. The Authority's mandate to promote entertainment
15:04aligns with the Crown Prince's desire to enhance the quality of life for Saudi citizens and to
15:09position the kingdom as a destination for leisure and creativity.
15:12These social reforms not only improve the lives of Saudis, but also reshape the country's
15:17international image. By advocating for a more open and dynamic society,
15:21Prince Mohammed shows the world that Saudi Arabia is embracing change and modernity.
15:25The Crown Prince's reforms have also extended to the realm of sports, with Saudi Arabia
15:30hosting major international events such as the Formula One Grand Prix and the Dakar Rally.
15:34These events have not only put the kingdom on the global sporting map,
15:38but have also encouraged a more active lifestyle among Saudis overall.
15:41Prince Mohammed bin Salman's philanthropic efforts and social reforms reflect his commitment
15:45to the well-being and aspirations of his people, driving a transformation that is
15:49redefining Saudi Arabia in the 21st century. Prince Mohammed bin Salman undoubtedly has a
15:54lot of power and influence when it comes to money and finance. He is making smart investments and
15:59business deals that are helping Saudi Arabia's economy grow stronger. At the same time,
16:03he is becoming one of the most important and influential people in the world when it comes
16:07to finance and wealth. Wealth and Financial Influence
16:10Prince Mohammed bin Salman is renowned for his extravagant spending on ultra-luxurious houses,
16:15yachts, private jets, and philanthropic initiatives. This lavish lifestyle naturally
16:20raises curiosity about the source of his immense wealth. As the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz
16:25Al Saud, Prince Mohammed gets his money from being part of the incredibly rich Saudi royal family,
16:30the House of Saud. This family's massive fortune comes from a few major sources,
16:34one of which is that Saudi Arabia has one of the world's largest oil reserves.
16:38The discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed the nation's economy,
16:42greatly enriching the royal family. The national oil company Saudi Aramco is one
16:46of the most valuable companies in the world, contributing significantly to the royal family's
16:51wealth. In 2019, Saudi Aramco was valued at $2 trillion, making it the most valuable and
16:56profitable company globally. Under Prince Salman's leadership, Saudi Aramco is not
17:00just an oil company, it's a global energy giant that shapes economies and influences
17:04international markets. The assets of the royal family have also been spread out through
17:09investments in various international markets. Prince Mohammed chairs the public investment fund
17:13PIF of Saudi Arabia, which has made investments in different industries, such as technology,
17:18real estate, and entertainment. This calculated investment strategy has increased their wealth
17:23even more. Saudi Arabia has quickly become a major player in global sports, investing billions of
17:28dollars in various high-profile deals. Officials say these investments aim to diversify the
17:33country's economy, which relies heavily on oil. One of Saudi Arabia's first significant investments
17:39in international sports was in 2017, when it signed a 10-year deal to host World Wrestling
17:44Entertainment, WWE events, worth around $100 million per year. Since then, the country has
17:50spent heavily to host events in boxing, tennis, horse racing, and Formula One. It has also financed
17:55international golf tournaments and bought stakes in a Formula One team and an English soccer team,
18:00reflecting the nation's interest in its most popular sport. These investments are managed
18:04through the kingdom's $650 billion public investment fund, PIF, one of the largest
18:09sovereign wealth funds in the world. Major purchases include Leave Golf, which has partnered
18:14with the PGA Tour. In the summer of 2023, Saudi Arabia, led by Mohammed bin Salman, made headlines
18:20in the sports world with major investments in football. A wave of highly paid football stars
18:25joined the Saudi Pro League, SPL, capturing global attention. Cristiano Ronaldo's move from
18:30Manchester United to Al Nasser at $600 million in January 2023 set the trend. He was followed by
18:37other top players in the summer, including 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kantor,
18:44who were signed collectively at a worth close to $500 million with Al-Ittihad, a team based in Jeddah
18:49and Brazilian star Neymar. Lionel Messi, one of the greatest ever soccer players, signed a three-year
18:54$25 million deal to promote tourism to Saudi Arabia on social media. These high-profile
19:00transfers were made possible by Mohammed bin Salman's introduction of the sports club's
19:04investments and privatization project. This initiative saw Saudi Arabia's public investment
19:09fund, PIF, take ownership of four SPL clubs, Al-Ali, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nasser.
19:15This move provided the clubs with financial support from a fund that has nearly $800 billion
19:20in assets. Prince Salman isn't just interested in football clubs, he's also making moves in
19:25the digital world, particularly in the gaming industry, which is full of innovation and
19:29potential. Through his company, the electronic gaming development company EGDC, the crown prince
19:34of Saudi Arabia has bought a major stake in the Japanese game developer SNK, known for classic
19:40games like The King of Fighters and Samurai Showdown. This wasn't just a rich man's hobby,
19:44but a strategic move into the growing world of gaming and esports. Now, SNK is almost entirely
19:50owned by his company, marking a new chapter for the famous game developer. But Prince Salman's
19:54interest in gaming doesn't stop there. His company has also invested heavily in big industry names
20:00like Activision Blizzard and Nexon, with investments totaling over $430 million.
20:05Prince Salman clearly understands the cultural and economic importance of gaming. It's more
20:10than just entertainment, it's a global phenomenon connecting millions of people.
20:14By investing in this sector, he's positioning himself as a key player in its future. The gaming
20:18industry, with its rapid growth and passionate community, offers a new platform for the prince
20:23to exert his influence, blending creativity, technology and business. Prince Mohammed bin
20:28Salman isn't just about wealth and economic strategy, he's also a master of international
20:33diplomacy. As the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, his impact on the world stage has been just as
20:38significant as his domestic reforms, with every handshake and alliance closely watched by the
20:42world. The prince's foreign policy is characterized by bold moves and engaging with both traditional
20:48allies and former adversaries. When he meets global leaders, it's not just for polite conversation,
20:53he's making strategic decisions. He's connecting with everyone from Silicon Valley figures like
20:57Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, to leaders like former President Trump and Putin, ensuring Saudi
21:02Arabia remains influential and powerful. Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia is balancing its
21:07relationships with the West while also opening dialogues with Russia and China, navigating the
21:12complex politics of the Middle East with skill. Prince Mohammed bin Salman envisions Saudi Arabia
21:17as more than just a regional player, he aims to make it a global hub for business, technology and
21:22culture. Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision looks far into the future with the ambitious Neom
21:27project which was launched in 2017. Neom is not just any city, it's a groundbreaking idea to create
21:32a new way of living. Planned to stretch 170 kilometers in the Neom region of Saudi Arabia,
21:38the site is at the northern tip of the Red Sea, due east of Egypt across the Gulf of Aqaba and
21:43south of Jordan. This futuristic city aims to accommodate 9 million people in its skyscrapers
21:48which will rise 500 meters high. The project is estimated to cost a whopping 1 trillion dollars,
21:53making it an unmatched endeavor and something that's never been seen before. However, Neom or
21:58the line is meant to be more than a city, it will be a hub of innovation where technology,
22:02sustainability and human-focused design come together. It envisions a world powered by
22:07renewable energy with autonomous vehicles and advanced infrastructure, making traditional
22:12cities seem outdated. It aims to gather the brightest minds to tackle future challenges.
22:16While Prince Salman's wealth is impressive, his role as a transformative leader in Saudi Arabia
22:21offers a deeper understanding of him. As the creator of Vision 2030, he is more than a wealthy
22:26prince, he is a visionary aiming to reshape his country's future. This is all we have for you in
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