Abu Dhabi, 6 Oct

King Mswati III of Eswatini arrived in Abu Dhabi on 10 July with 15 wives, 30 children and more than 100 attendants, a spectacle that quickly drew widespread online attention and debate.

The monarch, Africa’s last absolute ruler, touched down aboard a private jet, temporarily disrupting airport operations as three terminals were closed for security.

Dressed in traditional leopard-print regalia, King Mswati led his colourful entourage, impressing onlookers.

Officially, the visit aimed to explore trade and investment opportunities with UAE leaders, but public focus shifted to his estimated $1 billion fortune, highlighting stark contrasts with widespread poverty in Eswatini.

 Social media users joked that “an entire village had arrived”.