Saudi Arabia mourns Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, country’s oldest man, dies at 142

• What happened: Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, believed to be Saudi Arabia’s oldest citizen at 142, has passed away.

• Why it matters now: His life spanned more than a century of Saudi history, witnessing the country’s transformation from desert settlements to modern cities.

• What changes for people: Al Wadaei leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and endurance, inspiring generations with his simple living and long life.

• Who is affected: Family, local communities, and Saudis nationwide, who honored him as a symbol of longevity and tradition.

Dhahran Al Janoub, January 15: Saudi Arabia is grieving the loss of Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, who passed away at an extraordinary 142 years old. Born in the late 1800s, Al Wadaei witnessed every Saudi monarch from King Abdulaziz to King Salman, and saw the country evolve from desert paths to modern infrastructure, hospitals, and technology.

Al Wadaei lived a life rooted in faith, discipline, and simple habits, performing Hajj more than 40 times. He married three times, with his third wife living alongside him for 30 years and reaching 110 years of age. In total, he leaves behind approximately 134 children and grandchildren, including surviving sons, daughters, and a daughter still alive today.

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A life intertwined with history

Al Wadaei’s family recalls how he maintained traditional southern Saudi dietary habits and a lifestyle centered on faith and community, which they believe contributed to his remarkable longevity. His life was a bridge across generations, connecting the early days of the Kingdom to its modern era.

His funeral in Dhahran Al Janoub drew over 7,000 mourners, reflecting his stature and the admiration of his community. He was laid to rest in his ancestral village of Al Rashid, the birthplace of his family’s lineage.

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Legacy and remembrance

Across Saudi social media, Al Wadaei has been remembered as a symbol of faith, endurance, and resilience. His story resonates in a nation that has undergone rapid modernization, serving as a reminder of the country’s roots and the endurance of human spirit through a century of change.