Saudi Arabia’s Oldest Man Dies at 142, Leaving 134 Children and Grandchildren

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is mourning the passing of its oldest known citizen, Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, who has died at the remarkable age of 142. A living bridge between the past and the present, Al Wadaei was born in the late 19th century, decades before the formal unification of the modern Saudi state. He leaves behind a sprawling legacy of approximately 134 sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

Throughout his long life, Al Wadaei married three women. His third wife lived with him for 30 years and reached the age of 110; their daughter remains alive today. Of his three sons, two survive him, while his family of six daughters included a eldest who lived to the age of 90.

His extraordinary life spanned the reigns of every Saudi monarch, beginning with the founder, King Abdulaziz, and continuing through to the current leadership of King Salman. Over more than a century, he witnessed the total transformation of the Arabian Peninsula from a collection of nomadic regions into a global economic power, surviving through eras of profound political, social, and technological change.

Deeply respected for his religious devotion and character, Al Wadaei was a pillar of his community who reportedly performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times. His health and longevity were often attributed by his family to a disciplined lifestyle and a traditional diet rooted in the customs of the southern region. His passing drew a massive outpouring of grief and respect, with more than 7,000 people gathering in Dhahran Al Janoub to offer funeral prayers. Following the service, he was laid to rest in his ancestral home of Al Rashid, leaving behind a massive legacy of descendants who represent the many generations he saw flourish during his journey.