Saudi Arabia’s King always travels in a super lavish style on his state visits with all the comforts of home.

Saudi Arabia Monarchs lavish travel style while on foreign state visits. 

ICMS, Inc Reports

Tom Okure, Ph.D

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz state visit to Russia

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has just recently concluded his official visit to Russia. This is the first visit of a Saudi monarch to ever visit Russia. The King led a large delegation to Moscow and concluded investment deals with the Russian government said to be worth many billion dollars.  This was a very welcome visit to Moscow and the planned investments are much needed investment in the Russian economy adversely impacted by low oil prices and US and European sanctions.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz visit has set a new and higher standard of lavish traveling on his foreign travels.  As a matter of fact, the Saudi monarch upped his own game of traveling in luxury since after his earlier travels, for example his visits to Indonesia, where he brought two limousines with him and to Japan.

Photo Credit NBC News: Members of Saudi delegation walk in front of the
Boeing 747 that Saudi King's Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived with.

During his most recent state visit to Russia, the Saudi Arabian King arrived with a mind bugling lavish entourage. The Saudi delegation is reported to have flown in 1,500 staff, plush carpets and gold plated protective barriers to Russia.

While he was visiting Russia, it is reported that a Saudi plane traveled daily between Riyadh and Moscow transporting supplies for the King and his delegation which included 800 kilograms of food.  The royal entourage accompanying the King also replaced some of the hotel staff where the delegation was staying with their own personnel, because it is said, they know exactly how they like their coffee made.  In the just concluded state visit to Russia “The Saudi royal’s entourage includes staff familiar with specific food preparations and how the monarch prefers his coffee. Reports suggest plush carpets were also brought in by Saudi officials to make the stay a comfortable one”The King also came with his own furniture for use during his visit.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia with Russian President Vladimir Putin
during his state visit in the Russian capital

The Saudi government stayed at the Ritz Carlton and the Four Seasons in Moscow and booked the entire two luxury hotels for the duration of the Kings visit. The Four Seasons where the King stayed was alleged to be booked through October 8 and thereby closed to the public. As a consequence, it is reported that many guests had to have their prior reservations cancelled to make room.

 Photo Credit REUTERS: Moscow Ritz-Carlton hotel

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz state visit to Japan

Earlier this year in March 2017, during the King’s visit to Japan, it is also reported that the Saudi delegation arrived on 10 aircraft and about 1,200 hotel rooms were reserved in Tokyo for the Kings’ entourage for the four-day visit.  About 500 limousines was also needed to accommodate the Kings delegation. The entire fleet of 500 limousines used by the group were sourced from around the country. Reports indicate it was difficult to source that large number of luxury limousines in Tokyo because there is limited constant demand for such vehicles. A limousine industry insider stated that "Because we are unable to secure the needed number only in Tokyo, we are gathering the vehicles from Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures as well as the Tokai region."

During his Asia trip, King Salman also visited the Maldives and China. One can only imagine the extent of money, planning and logistics needed move the Kings delegation during his foreign trips. Nevertheless, money is not a problem for the king. He can afford to travel and live luxuriously as he is accustomed to while on any foreign trip. After all “The House of Saud is estimated to be worth around $1.4 trillion, meaning King bin Abdulaziz has a vast fortune to dip into when travelling abroad.”

Links for further reading

Saudi king’s Russia visit: Luxury carpets, golden escalator & 1,500 staff

Inside Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz’ 1,500-person entourage in Moscow

2 golden escalators, 10 aircraft, 500 limos & 1200 luxury rooms: Saudi king’s lavish trip to Japan

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