Abu Dhabi, UAE — The extravagant arrival of Eswatini’s King Mswati III in Abu Dhabi has ignited a wave of criticism across social media and global news platforms. Known as Africa’s last absolute monarch, King Mswati III arrived in the UAE over the weekend accompanied by 15 wives, 100 servants, and a fleet of luxury cars, all transported on a private Boeing 747 jet.
The king’s arrival was captured in videos and photos that quickly went viral, showing his royal entourage stepping off the jet at Abu Dhabi International Airport under tight security. Luxury limousines and Rolls-Royces awaited the royal family, creating a spectacle that drew both fascination and backlash online.
🌍 Luxury Amid Poverty
King Mswati III’s lavish lifestyle has long been controversial. Eswatini, a small landlocked kingdom in southern Africa, is grappling with widespread poverty, high unemployment, and limited healthcare infrastructure. According to World Bank data, nearly 60% of Eswatini’s 1.2 million people live below the poverty line, while unemployment rates continue to rise.
Critics argue that such ostentatious displays are deeply insensitive at a time when ordinary Eswatini citizens are struggling to make ends meet. Social media platforms were flooded with angry comments, with many users describing the king’s arrival as “a parade of inequality.”
“He flies with 15 wives while children in Eswatini go hungry. This is not leadership — it’s arrogance,” one activist wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
✈️ The Royal Convoy
Sources in Abu Dhabi revealed that the king’s Boeing 747 was specially configured to accommodate his large entourage, featuring luxury suites, gold-plated interiors, and onboard entertainment facilities.
Upon landing, the royal family was escorted by a motorcade of more than 30 vehicles, including several Rolls-Royce Phantoms and Mercedes-Maybach limousines. Each of the king’s wives was accompanied by personal attendants and security teams.
While the visit was officially described as a “private trip,” reports suggest that Mswati III may also hold meetings with UAE business leaders and officials. However, the lavish display overshadowed any potential diplomatic agenda.
👑 A History of Extravagance
This is not the first time King Mswati III has faced criticism for his extravagant lifestyle. In 2018, he renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence — a move that cost millions in rebranding.
He is also known for purchasing dozens of luxury vehicles, including a $500,000 Rolls-Royce for each of his wives. His private jet collection is estimated to be worth over $200 million.
At the same time, Eswatini has faced recurring pro-democracy protests, with citizens demanding political reform and accountability. Human rights groups have repeatedly accused the monarchy of using state funds for personal luxury while suppressing dissent.
💬 International Backlash
Global media outlets and rights organizations have joined in condemning the Abu Dhabi arrival. Human Rights Watch called the spectacle “a glaring reminder of inequality under absolute monarchy.”
Economists have also pointed out that the king’s spending habits undermine investor confidence in Eswatini’s governance. “This level of personal luxury while citizens suffer sends a terrible message,” said Dr. Nomsa Dlamini, a political analyst based in Johannesburg.
The UAE government has not commented on the visit, which appears to be privately organized. However, footage of the event has sparked debate even within Eswatini’s diaspora communities, many of whom are calling for greater financial transparency from the monarchy.
King Mswati III’s visit to Abu Dhabi has once again placed Eswatini under the global spotlight — not for its culture or progress, but for its sharp divide between royal privilege and public hardship.
As social media outrage grows, the incident raises pressing questions about leadership, accountability, and the future of Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
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