Saudi Arabia Mourns the Loss of Its Oldest Citizen at 142
Saudi Arabia grieves the passing of a man who lived through more than a century of history. Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, believed to be the country's oldest citizen, died at the remarkable age of 142. He was born in the late 1800s, long before the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even existed.
A Family Built Across Generations
Al Wadaei did not just accumulate years. He built an entire family that spans multiple generations. He leaves behind approximately 134 children and grandchildren, all shaped by vastly different eras. He married three times during his long life.
His third wife lived with him for three decades and reached the age of 110. Their daughter remains alive today. Two of his three sons survive him, and among his six daughters was one who lived into her 90s. This family structure alone illustrates the incredible length and depth of his life.
Witness to a Nation's Transformation
The changes Al Wadaei witnessed truly make one pause. He lived through the reign of every Saudi king, from King Abdulaziz who founded the modern Kingdom to the current rule of King Salman. He saw deserts gradually transform into bustling cities.
Roads appeared where only dirt paths existed before. Electricity arrived, hospitals were built, oil wealth transformed the economy, and modern technology developed right before his eyes. While most people witness change over decades, Al Wadaei observed it across an entire century.
A Life of Faith and Simple Habits
To those who knew him, he was not merely "the old man everyone discussed." People remembered him for his deep faith, personal discipline, and modest way of living. His family reports he performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times. Even regular pilgrims find that number astonishing.
His relatives attribute his extraordinary longevity to simple daily habits and a traditional diet rooted in southern Saudi customs. He maintained routines that connected him to his cultural heritage throughout his life.
A Funeral Reflecting His Impact
When he passed away, people came to honor him in impressive numbers. More than 7,000 individuals gathered in Dhahran Al Janoub for his funeral prayers. Such a substantial turnout does not occur without genuine respect and admiration.
After the services, he was laid to rest in his ancestral village of Al Rashid. This is the same land where generations of his family began their lives, completing a full circle that connected his end to his beginnings.
Social Media Tributes Pour In
As news of his passing spread, Saudi social media platforms filled with messages and shared memories. Many people called him a symbol of faith, strength, and endurance. In a nation that has changed at lightning speed, Al Wadaei's life serves as a quiet anchor.
His story reminds everyone where Saudi Arabia began and how far it has traveled, all through the experiences of one remarkable man who connected past and present through his very existence.
