In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, where the sands of the desert meet the opulence of modern skyscrapers, lives a family whose wealth and influence eclipse even the most extravagant tales of royalty. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to simply as Prince Salman, and his wife, Princess Sara bint Mashour, are parents to five children, including two daughters who embody the pinnacle of privilege: Princess Fahda and Princess Noura. Born into the House of Saud, the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia, these young princesses are not just heirs to a throne but guardians of a fortune estimated at over $1.4 trillion, derived from the nation’s vast oil reserves and global investments. As the daughters of the de facto ruler of one of the world’s most powerful nations, Fahda and Noura lead lives shrouded in luxury, mystery, and immense responsibility. This glimpse into their world reveals not only the extravagance of Saudi royalty but also the subtle shifts toward modernity under their father’s visionary leadership.
The story of Prince Salman’s family begins with the Crown Prince himself, a dynamic figure who ascended to power in 2017 after years of strategic maneuvering within the royal court. Born in 1985 as the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Mohammed bin Salman—known globally as MBS—married his first cousin, Sara bint Mashour, in 2008. Their union, a traditional arrangement within the extended Al Saud clan, has produced a tight-knit family of three sons—Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, and Prince Abdulaziz—and the two princesses, Fahda and Noura. While the boys are often positioned as potential future leaders, the daughters represent the evolving role of women in Saudi society, benefiting from reforms like the lifting of the driving ban in 2018 and increased access to education and business opportunities. Yet, their lives remain intensely private, protected by layers of security and protocol that make them the envy—and curiosity—of the world.
Princess Fahda, the elder daughter, was born around 2010, making her a teenager navigating the cusp of adulthood in an era of rapid change. Named after her grandmother, Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain, the Crown Prince’s mother, she carries a legacy of resilience and cultural depth. From her earliest days, Fahda’s world has been one of unparalleled splendor. The family resides primarily in Riyadh’s Al Yamamah Palace, a sprawling complex that spans over 3 million square feet, featuring gilded halls, private mosques, and helipads for seamless travel. But home is just the beginning; the Al Saud family’s properties dot the globe, from a $300 million chateau in France’s Louveciennes to a $500 million yacht, the Serene, which once belonged to a Russian oligarch. Fahda and her siblings are said to spend summers aboard this floating palace, cruising the Mediterranean with a staff of hundreds, indulging in water sports, gourmet feasts prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, and stargazing under sails embroidered with gold thread.
Education for Fahda has been a blend of tradition and elite global exposure. Like many royal children, she received early tutoring from private governesses fluent in multiple languages, ensuring proficiency in Arabic, English, and French from a young age. As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with Vision 2030—MBS’s ambitious plan to diversify the economy and empower women—Fahda attends one of the kingdom’s top international schools in Riyadh, where curricula include STEM subjects alongside Islamic studies and equestrian training. Reports suggest she excels in the arts, particularly horseback riding and classical music, hobbies that align with the royal penchant for equestrianism. The family owns vast stables of purebred Arabian horses, and Fahda has been spotted at international shows, competing under assumed names to maintain privacy. Her passion for horses isn’t just recreational; it’s a nod to Saudi heritage, where equestrian sports symbolize nobility and endurance.
Beyond the glamour, Fahda’s life reflects the disciplined ethos instilled by her father. MBS, known for his rigorous work ethic, ensures his children understand the weight of their position. Family dinners, though lavish with dishes like lamb mansaf and saffron-infused rice, often include discussions on governance and philanthropy. Fahda has already begun shadowing her mother in charitable endeavors. Princess Sara, a quiet force in the family, chairs several foundations focused on women’s education and health. Fahda accompanies her on visits to girls’ schools in rural areas, witnessing the impact of initiatives that provide scholarships and vocational training. This exposure has shaped Fahda into a young advocate for gender equality, quietly supporting projects that align with her father’s reforms. Her net worth, inherited through family trusts, is in the billions, invested in everything from Saudi Aramco shares to Silicon Valley startups. Yet, Fahda’s wealth manifests subtly: a collection of custom-designed jewelry from Parisian houses, rare books from antiquarian dealers, and a wardrobe curated by top stylists featuring abayas embroidered with diamonds.
Princess Noura, the younger daughter born around 2012, embodies the playful yet poised essence of royal youth. Named after a lineage of influential Saudi women, including her great-aunt, Noura represents the next generation’s bridge between tradition and innovation. Her daily life is a whirlwind of privilege, starting with mornings in the palace’s private gardens, where she tends to exotic flowers imported from around the world. Noura’s education mirrors her sister’s but with an emphasis on creativity and technology, reflecting MBS’s push for a knowledge-based economy. She attends the same elite school, where classes on coding and environmental science are as routine as Quran recitation. Extracurriculars include ballet lessons with instructors flown in from London and art classes focusing on Islamic geometric patterns, fostering a deep connection to Saudi cultural roots.
Noura’s lifestyle is dotted with whimsical luxuries that highlight the family’s boundless resources. Family vacations are legendary: private jets whisk them to the Maldives for island-hopping on rented atolls, or to Switzerland for skiing in chalets overlooking the Alps. During Eid celebrations, the palace transforms into a wonderland of fireworks, falconry displays, and feasts for thousands. Noura, with her siblings, participates in these events, dressed in bespoke outfits from designers like Elie Saab, who crafts pieces inspired by Saudi motifs. Her toys aren’t ordinary; a custom-built playground in the palace grounds includes a mini amusement park with carousels and zip lines, all under the watchful eyes of a security detail that rivals a small army. Despite the extravagance, Noura is taught humility through acts of giving. Like Fahda, she joins her mother’s philanthropy, recently “launching” a small initiative to fund literacy programs for Bedouin girls, a project that garnered quiet praise from international observers.
The sisters’ bond is a cornerstone of their lives, forged in shared experiences that blend the ancient with the ultra-modern. They often travel together for “sister retreats,” jetting to Dubai for shopping sprees at the world’s largest malls or to London for theater outings. Their wardrobes are legendary—Fahda favors elegant, modest fashion with a contemporary twist, while Noura leans toward vibrant colors and subtle Western influences, always adhering to cultural norms. Both enjoy horseback riding competitions and charity galas, where they mingle with global elites. Security is omnipresent; their movements are tracked via state-of-the-art systems, and public appearances are rare, preserving the mystique that surrounds them.
What sets Fahda and Noura apart as the “richest kids in the world” isn’t just the scale of their wealth but how it intersects with power. The Al Saud family’s fortune, managed through sovereign wealth funds like the Public Investment Fund (PIF), totals trillions, with investments in Uber, Disney, and even Newcastle United football club. The princesses’ personal allowances, funneled through trusts, allow for indulgences like private island getaways or commissioning artworks from masters like Jeff Koons. Yet, this opulence comes with expectations. Under MBS’s guidance, they are groomed for roles that could influence Saudi’s future—perhaps in diplomacy, business, or cultural preservation. Fahda, with her interest in international relations, might one day represent the kingdom abroad, while Noura’s creative streak could lead to ventures in fashion or media, aligning with the booming Saudi entertainment sector.
Critics might view their lives as symbols of inequality, given Saudi Arabia’s complex human rights record. However, within the family, there’s a narrative of progress. The princesses benefit from reforms that have opened doors for Saudi women, from driving to owning businesses. Their mother, Sara, has reportedly navigated personal challenges with grace, modeling resilience for her daughters. As the family navigates global scrutiny—MBS’s high-profile deals and geopolitical moves—the girls remain insulated, focusing on personal growth amid luxury.
In conclusion, the lives of Princesses Fahda and Noura offer a captivating window into the world of ultimate privilege. They are not mere beneficiaries of wealth but active participants in a dynasty shaping the Middle East’s future. From palace intrigues to philanthropic pursuits, their story is one of contrasts: ancient heritage meeting modern ambition. As Saudi Arabia evolves under Vision 2030, these richest kids in the world stand poised to redefine royalty, blending extravagance with purpose. Their journey, though private, whispers promises of a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow for the kingdom they call home.
