How the World’s Wealthiest Politicians Spend Their Fortunes

A number of the world’s wealthiest people are also politicians. From luxury cars to public health research, the way these fortunes are spent can tell much about the world’s wealthiest politicians.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum poses at a racecourse on May 05, 2012, in Newmarket, England. His net worth is estimated at around $4.5 billion, according to Business Insider. Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz

Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has been the king of Saudi Arabia since 2005. This wealthy country owns 20 percent of known oil reserves, and as king, his net worth is estimated between $19 billion and $21 billion, according to World’s Luxury Guide.

Since he became king, he has focused on developing cities and improving the economic situation of the country.

He has increased spending on education, and after he came to power, the number of public universities has increased from 8 to 24, including the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for women, according to Gulf News.

He has also set up a number of welfare projects costing around $160 billion, including constructing new houses, establishing a minimum wage with government assistance, and providing unemployment benefits, according to the Saudi Gazette.