One that touched the hearts of the entire Saudi Arabia and beyond, Nasser bin Radan Al-Rashid Al-Wada‘i passed away at the age of 142. Born in 1884, long before the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed, Nasser experienced significant historical changes, from the founding of the country and its emergence as a major world power. His was not just a long life, it was a life full of stories, dedication and family.
A Life That Spanned Generations:
Nasser Al-Wada‘i was more than a man who lived many years. He was a living link to the past. He was born in the late 19th century and grew up with many Saudi kings, from the founding father of modern Saudi Arabia, the late King Abdulaziz, to the current King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He lived in the south of the Kingdom, known for his simple living and strong faith, and his modest lifestyle. It was reported that he had done the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times to demonstrate his intense devotion to Islam.
Family and Personal Life:
Nasser's family was as remarkable as his age. He had seven wives throughout his life, leaving behind 134 children and grandchildren. Relationships spanned across generations, making him the patriarch of a large, diversified family. His marriage (to a 29-year-old woman, at age 110), one of the most popular moments in his personal life, shocked many. Even more astonishingly, he was said to want to marry again at 130. His sustained interest in living and finding relationships at such an advanced age brought him much attention and interest worldwide.
A Symbol of Endurance:
Nasser’s long life drew interest from medical experts and researchers. His physical health, his mental resilience, his daily activities all of which seemed to fly in the face of aging captivated a generation of people. Those who knew him described him as a man of deep character, spiritual wisdom and emotional stamina. He was a soothing presence, he was perceived to be a guide to elders and the young in his community.
Final Farewell:
Nasser died of natural causes in Riyadh on January 11, 2026. His funeral was in Dhahran Al Janoub, his home region, with more than 7,000 people attending. The crowds to visit were enormous, a measure of the respect, dignity and admiration people have for him. Al Rashid, where his tale first unfolded more than a century ago, was where he was buried.
Legacy and Impact:
Nasser Al-Wada‘i’s story is not only about age, it’s about faith, family, and persistence. He witnessed wars, political change and social transformation but never strayed from his beliefs and values. His life is a reminder that longevity isn’t simply a matter of years; it’s also a matter of ways in which those years are lived. He raised a family, inspired a nation, and became a beacon of strength and simplicity.
As we say goodbye to Saudi Arabia’s oldest citizen, the memory of Nasser bin Radan Al-Rashid Al-Wada‘i will live on. His life was a bridge from yesterday to today; he taught us devotion, humility, stamina. In a world that can move too frequently, Nasser’s story pushes us to slow, value our families and live with our minds on purpose. He may be deceased, but his legacy will not cease to inspire new generations.
