Saudi Arabia’s oldest known man, Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, passed away at the age of 142, according to local media reports, drawing widespread attention across the Kingdom and on social media.
Funeral prayers were held at Dhahran Al Janoub in southern Saudi Arabia, after which he was laid to rest in his native village of Al Rashid. Reports said more than 7,000 people attended the funeral, reflecting the deep respect he commanded within the community.
Life spanning the Kingdom’s history
Al Wadaei was born before the unification of Saudi Arabia and witnessed the reigns of multiple rulers, from King Abdulaziz, the founder of the modern Saudi state, to the current monarch, King Salman. His life spanned more than a century of political, social and economic transformation in the Kingdom.
Locals described him as a living witness to Saudi Arabia’s transition from a tribal society to a modern nation-state shaped by oil wealth and rapid development.
Deep religious devotion
According to family members, Al Wadaei was known for his strong religious faith and discipline. He reportedly performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times during his lifetime, an extraordinary feat that earned him admiration across the region.
He is survived by 134 children and grandchildren. Family accounts say he married for the last time at the age of 110 and later had a daughter, further adding to the fascination surrounding his long life.
Social media tributes pour in
News of his death spread quickly across Saudi social media platforms, where many users described him as a symbol of faith, resilience and longevity. Messages highlighted his devotion, simplicity and the rare perspective he carried as someone who lived through generations of change.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable life that mirrored the history of modern Saudi Arabia itself.