An old video showing Eswatini’s King Mswati III arriving in the UAE with a large entourage has resurfaced online, going viral in July 2025. The footage has reignited conversations around monarchy, wealth disparity, and traditional rule in modern Africa, drawing renewed global attention to the controversial lifestyle of Africa’s last absolute monarch.
King Mswati III’s lavish arrival in Abu Dhabi
In July 2025, a previously recorded video of King Mswati III arriving in Abu Dhabi resurfaced online and quickly gained traction across social media platforms. Though the footage is not new, its reemergence has once again sparked debate, satire, and serious criticism. The original visit reportedly took place in October 2022, during which King Mswati III traveled to Abu Dhabi for official state business before proceeding to Taiwan and then attending the coronation of King Misuzulu-KaZwelithini in South Africa later that month. King Mswati III of Eswatini touched down aboard a private jet, dressed in a red traditional printed attire. But it was not just the king’s presence that drew attention—it was the sizeable entourage accompanying him. Among the group were 15 of his wives, 30 of his children, and over 100 aides and attendants. All were reportedly flown in on the same private jet, with their arrival prompting security officials to temporarily shut down three airport terminals to manage the disruption. The king was seen walking ahead of his entourage, receiving bows and salutes from attendants as he disembarked. His wives, adorned in vibrant traditional African garments, followed behind. Meanwhile, members of the royal staff were busy managing substantial luggage and coordinating logistics. A video of the airport scene quickly went viral online, drawing a mix of awe, humour, and criticism from viewers around the world.
Eswatini: Royal wealth vs. national poverty
King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini—a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa—since 1986. Often cited as Africa’s last absolute monarch, he holds sweeping political and economic power. His personal fortune is estimated to exceed $1 billion, with confirmed stakes in various sectors including telecommunications, agriculture, construction, tourism, and forestry, according to Swaziland News. His monarchy is deeply steeped in traditional rituals. Each year, he is known to select a new wife during the “Reed Dance” ceremony, a cultural festival held between August and September, which continues to attract both admiration and controversy. The king currently has 30 wives—15 of whom were present during the UAE trip, and more than 35 children. However, his lavish lifestyle sharply contrasts with the economic reality faced by most citizens in Eswatini. Reports indicate that nearly 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, and the country suffers from a deteriorating health and education system, widespread drug shortages in public hospitals, and an increasing number of university students forced to drop out due to lack of financial support. According to the World Bank, unemployment in Eswatini rose from 23% to 33.3% in 2021, a trend driven by the rising cost of basic commodities and stagnant development.
Purpose of visit: Investment talks or opulence showcase?
While the king’s arrival was undeniably dramatic, official sources report that the trip to the UAE was intended to explore economic cooperation and investment agreements with Emirati leaders.His Majesty King Mswati III had jetted out of Eswatini on an official state business trip to Abu Dhabi. Following this visit, he planned to travel to the Republic of China (Taiwan) before attending the official coronation of King Misuzulu-KaZwelithini on October 29, 2022, in South Africa, according to the Times of Eswatini.Yet, it was not the diplomacy that made headlines—it was the optics. The images of opulence, the traditional attire, and the large retinue created a visual spectacle that overshadowed the stated agenda.
Online reactions: Jokes, memes, and criticism
The viral footage unleashed a torrent of online reactions across social media platforms. One widely shared comment quipped, “The king’s entourage looks like an entire village!” Another user joked, “Managing one wife is a headache, and he is managing 15. OMG.” But not all responses were humorous. More pointed criticism emerged, with one comment reading, “While his people have no electricity or running water, he is living such a lavish life.” The backlash underscores a deeper global unease with dynastic wealth, especially when tied to countries grappling with poverty and underdevelopment.
