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Adnan KhashoggiBillionaire
Date of Birth: 25.07.1935
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Content:
- The Extravagant Tycoon: Adnan Khashoggi
- Palatial Empire
- Lavish Aircraft
- Unconventional Business
- Saudi Arabian Roots
- Early Dealings
- Education and Alliances
- Military Deals
- The Golden Age of Arms Sales
- Extravagant Entertainment
- Political Ambitions
- Family Life
- Legacy of Extravagance
The Extravagant Tycoon: Adnan Khashoggi
Monumental WealthIn the mid-1980s, the name Adnan Khashoggi was synonymous with unfathomable wealth. His $4 billion financial empire spanned 37 countries, comparable to the legendary treasures of Count of Monte Cristo.
Palatial Empire
Khashoggi's opulent lifestyle was unmatched. He owned 12 international estates, including a 180,000-acre ranch in Kenya, opulent palaces in Marbella, the Canary Islands, and other global destinations. His portfolio included apartments in Paris, Cannes, Madrid, Rome, Beirut, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Monte Carlo. In Manhattan, he occupied two floors of a luxurious skyscraper.
Lavish Aircraft
His yacht, the "Nabila," boasted a helicopter landing pad and was so magnificent that the Queen of England's "Britannia" seemed like a mere third-rate ferry in comparison. He owned three private jets, a fleet of custom-built "Mercedes" vehicles, hundreds of exotic cars, and a stable of Arabian steeds.
Unconventional Business
Khashoggi's extravagant spending was not merely a reflection of his wealth; it was a meticulously orchestrated business strategy. He famously said, "Flowers and lanterns in a garden attract butterflies and nightingales," hinting at the lucrative connections he made through his lavish parties.
Saudi Arabian Roots
Adnan Khashoggi was born in the conservative and austere Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His father, Muhammad Khashoggi, was the personal physician to King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.
Early Dealings
As a young man, Khashoggi demonstrated his entrepreneurial flair by arranging a transaction between a Libyan merchant and a textile manufacturer. This initial venture netted him a $1,000 commission.
Education and Alliances
Khashoggi studied at Queen Victoria College in Egypt, where he cultivated connections with fellow students who later became influential rulers in the Middle East. While attending Chico State University in California, he used his financial acumen to rent out trucks and establish a lucrative entertainment business.
Military Deals
Leveraging his Saudi Arabian connections, Khashoggi became a major intermediary in arms deals between American manufacturers and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense. This led to lucrative commissions from companies like Lockheed, Raytheon, and Northrop. By 1975, he had amassed $200 million in commissions from his dealings in Los Angeles alone.
The Golden Age of Arms Sales
Following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, Arab nations sought to replenish their arsenals, providing Khashoggi with an unprecedented opportunity for profit. His commissions soared to 15%, and he became one of the most sought-after intermediaries.
Extravagant Entertainment
Khashoggi famously used women to facilitate his business success. His entourage was adorned with exotic and alluring companions, whom he allegedly hired as high-class prostitutes to seduce his business partners.
Political Ambitions
As oil prices declined in the mid-1980s, Khashoggi's multi-billion dollar era came to an end. He expanded his business into other sectors but faced challenges in managing his diverse empire. Despite his entrepreneurial success, he also pursued diplomatic initiatives, proposing a peace summit between Israel and Palestine.
Family Life
Despite his public persona, Khashoggi was a dedicated father to his seven children. His eldest children studied in the United States, while his younger son, born from his second marriage to Lamia, was raised in a Muslim household.
Legacy of Extravagance
Adnan Khashoggi lived a flamboyant and enigmatic life, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western cultures. His legendary wealth and lavish lifestyle left an enduring mark on the world, forever associating his name with the excesses and glamour of the 1980s.
