Net Worth: $800 Million
Category: Richest Politicians › Royals
Birthdate: December 13, 1936 (88 years old)
Birthplace: Geneva, Switzerland
Gender: Male
Profession: Business Magnate, Religious Leader, Philanthropist
Nationality: United Kingdom
Overview
Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, known as Aga Khan IV, is the current Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, a denomination of Shia Islam with an estimated 5 to 15 million adherents worldwide. As a spiritual leader, business magnate, and philanthropist, he has a vast influence both within the Ismaili community and beyond. His wealth places him among the richest royals globally.
Sources of Wealth
- Tithes and Religious Contributions
- As the Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, Aga Khan IV receives religious contributions (zakat and other tithes) from his followers, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Investments and Business Ventures
- He has diversified investments in sectors like hospitality, real estate, and banking through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
- Luxury Assets
- His personal assets include:
- Hundreds of racehorses and stud farms.
- A $100 million yacht named Al Mirqab.
- Private jets and a private island in the Bahamas.
- His personal assets include:
- Tax Exemptions
- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy reportedly granted him exemptions from various taxes, saving him substantial sums.
- Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
- He is the founder and chairman of the AKDN, a global network of development agencies involved in areas such as health, education, and cultural preservation. While its primary focus is philanthropic, it contributes indirectly to his wealth through sustainable business ventures.
Highlights of Leadership and Influence
- Religious Leadership
- Aga Khan IV has served as the Imam of Nizari Ismailis since 1957, a position he inherited at the age of 20 from his grandfather, Aga Khan III.
- He is regarded as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is revered as a spiritual guide.
- Philanthropy
- The Aga Khan Development Network is one of the largest private development agencies in the world, funding initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development.
- Equestrian Ventures
- A passionate racehorse breeder, he owns multiple stud farms and racehorses that have won prestigious international races.
- Cultural and Developmental Contributions
- The Aga Khan has supported numerous cultural and architectural preservation projects, including restoring historic sites around the world.
Personal Life
- Marriages and Children:
- Married twice, he has four children. His personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships and settlements.
- Global Citizen:
- While he does not govern a physical territory, he wields immense spiritual and cultural influence worldwide.
Legacy
Aga Khan IV continues to be a key figure in both the religious and business spheres. His blend of spiritual leadership and entrepreneurial acumen has cemented his legacy as a transformative figure who balances tradition with modernity.
