With 15 wives, 100 servants, African king lands on private jet in Abu Dhabi; netzines say 'looks like an entire village'

A video from Abu Dhabi International Airport has surfaced online, sparking global curiosity and debate.

The footage shows an African monarch, half-dressed in traditional attire, being saluted and bowed to as he disembarks from a private jet, surrounded by a striking group of women and children.

The man in the spotlight is none other than King Mswati III of Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarch.

Eswatini, formally the Kingdom of Eswatini, also known by its former official names Swaziland and the Kingdom of Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.

His flamboyant arrival in the United Arab Emirates on July 10, 2025, has captivated social media users around the world.

A royal spectacle

King Mswati III touched down in Abu Dhabi aboard a private jet, accompanied by a sizeable royal entourage that included 15 of his wives, 30 of his children, and over 100 aides and attendants. The sheer scale of the group reportedly caused significant disruption at the airport, with security forced to temporarily close three terminals to accommodate the arrival.

The king, dressed in traditional leopard-print ceremonial garb, was seen walking proudly ahead of his entourage, while his wives wore colourful African dresses. Royal attendants were spotted managing an enormous amount of luggage and overseeing logistics.

Purpose of the visit

According to reports, the king’s visit aimed to discuss economic cooperation and potential investment agreements with UAE leaders. However, it was his extravagant lifestyle and dramatic entrance that quickly became the focus of public attention.

Royal wealth and controversy

King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986. He is known not only for his traditional practices but also for his immense personal wealth. His net worth is estimated at over $1 billion, making him one of Africa’s richest monarchs. Like his father before him—who had over 70 wives and hundreds of descendants—King Mswati is also known for his large royal family. He currently has 30 wives (15 of whom accompanied him on this trip) and more than 35 children.

However, his lavish lifestyle has drawn significant criticism. Each year, he selects a new wife during the controversial “Reed Dance” ceremony, a tradition viewed by many as outdated and problematic.

While the king enjoys immense personal wealth and royal privileges, nearly 60 per cent of Eswatini’s population lives below the poverty line.

This stark contrast has fueled ongoing domestic and international criticism of the monarchy.

Social media reactions

Following the viral video, social media platforms were flooded with memes and humorous takes, with one popular comment reading: “The king’s entourage looks like an entire village!”

Despite the humour, the viral moment has reignited important conversations about wealth inequality, traditional leadership, and modern monarchy in Africa