Royal Arrival: King Mswati III's Lavish Abu Dhabi Visit with 15 Wives and 30 Children

A recent viral video features King Mswati III arriving at Abu Dhabi Airport with an impressive entourage of 15 wives, 30 children, and 100 servants. This extravagant display has sparked discussions about the king's lavish lifestyle, especially in light of the poverty faced by many in Eswatini. The footage showcases the king in traditional attire alongside his wives in colorful outfits, raising eyebrows and generating memes on social media. As one of the world's wealthiest monarchs, Mswati III's reign has been marked by opulence, but it also highlights the stark contrast to the living conditions of his subjects. Explore the details of this royal visit and the reactions it has garnered online.
 | 
Royal Arrival: King Mswati III's Lavish Abu Dhabi Visit with 15 Wives and 30 Children

A Viral Sensation at Abu Dhabi Airport

A video showcasing a man arriving at Abu Dhabi Airport with 15 wives, 30 children, and 100 servants has gone viral. Although the footage is not new, it has captured significant attention online.


Purpose of the Visit

King Mswati III traveled to the UAE to discuss economic agreements. However, his extravagant lifestyle has become the focal point on social media. In the video, the king is seen wearing a leopard-print traditional outfit, while his 30 wives dazzled in colorful African attire. A large entourage of servants managed the royal luggage, leaving viewers astonished by the king's opulent lifestyle.


A Legacy of Royalty

Mswati III reigns over Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, and has 30 wives. Remarkably, his father had around 125 wives and over 210 children, along with nearly 1,000 grandchildren.


King Mswati III's Reign

Ascending to the throne in 1986, King Mswati III is among the wealthiest monarchs globally, with an estimated fortune exceeding $1 billion. He has 15 wives and more than 35 children, selecting a new bride each year during the 'Reed Dance' ceremony. However, his lavish expenditures raise concerns amid widespread poverty in Eswatini, where 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. Following the video's release, social media has been flooded with memes, with users humorously commenting, 'The king's entourage looks like a whole village!'