A video is recently resurfacing online showing the extravagant lifestyle of an African king. The arrival of the king Mswati III of Eswatini in Abu Dhabi has sparked a wave of public outrage on social media. He arrived in the UAE capital on a private jet with an entourage that included 15 wives, 30 children, and 100 servants, temporarily shutting down the airport for a few hours and drawing widespread attention to his lavish lifestyle.

Although the footage is not new, it has once again sparked discussion, jokes, and serious criticism. The original visit reportedly took place in October 2022, when King Mswati III traveled to Abu Dhabi for official state business. After that, he visited Taiwan and later attended the coronation of King Misuzulu-Kawelithini in South Africa.

King Mswati III arrived on a private jet, dressed in a traditional red outfit. However, it was not just his presence that caught attention, the large entourage accompanying him was equally striking. The king was seen walking ahead of his entourage, receiving bows and salutes from his attendants as he disembarked. His wives followed behind, wearing colorful traditional attire, while staff handled luggage and organized the group. Videos of the scene quickly circulated online, drawing a mix of amazement, humor, and criticism from viewers worldwide.

Who is King Mswati III 

King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, since 1986. He is Africa’s last absolute monarch and holds extensive political and economic power. His personal wealth is estimated at over $1 billion, with investments in sectors like telecommunications, agriculture, construction, tourism, and forestry. He also practices traditional rituals, including the annual “Reed Dance,” where he selects a new wife. The king currently has 30 wives and more than 35 children.

Situation of Eswatini

However, his lavish lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the situation of many Eswatini citizens. Around 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. The country faces issues like poor healthcare and education systems, drug shortages in hospitals, and many university students dropping out due to financial problems. According to the World Bank, unemployment rose from 23% to 33.3% in 2021, largely due to rising costs of living and slow economic growth.

Officially, the king’s visit to the UAE was aimed at discussing economic cooperation and investment opportunities. He also planned to visit Taiwan and attend the coronation in South Africa. But instead of diplomacy, the media and public focused on the display of wealth, his large entourage, and the extravagant spectacle at the airport.

The video sparked a flood of online reactions. Many made jokes and memes about his 15 wives and large family, while others criticized him for living lavishly while his people struggle with poverty and lack of basic services.