Sheikh Nasar bin Raddan Al Rashid Al Wadai—widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s oldest citizen—has passed away in Riyadh at the age of 142 due to natural causes. News of his death quickly spread online, with many sharing his remarkable story and reflecting on a life that seemed to stretch across eras.
Married at 110, Became a Father Later
Sheikh Nasar drew global attention after marrying at the age of 110 and later becoming the father of a daughter from that marriage. The milestone surprised many, not only for its rarity but also for what it suggested about his stamina and determination at an age most people cannot imagine.
Over the years, medical professionals and lifestyle researchers reportedly took interest in his physical condition, mental sharpness, and everyday habits. Observers often noted his alertness and energy, even in extreme old age.
A Witness to Saudi Arabia’s Modern History
His lifetime spanned from the reign of Saudi Arabia’s founding monarch, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud), to the rule of the current king, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Across more than a century, he saw the country change dramatically—moving from vast desert landscapes to a modern state shaped by the oil economy, expanding infrastructure, and major developments in education and healthcare.
A Life Shaped by Faith and Simplicity
Those close to Sheikh Nasar described him as deeply religious and highly disciplined. He is said to have performed the Hajj pilgrimage 40 times, and his family believed his spiritual devotion played an important role in his long life.
Even with access to comfort, he was known for maintaining a simple diet, sticking to a steady routine, and living with restraint and consistency.
Patriarch of a Large Family
Sheikh Nasar was the head of a large family of 134 members, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was widely viewed as a steady presence across generations—someone who offered advice and perspective shaped by an unusually long life.
A Respected Farewell in Riyadh
His funeral in Riyadh reportedly drew prominent figures from political, religious, and social circles, reflecting the respect he held within the community.
For many, his death felt like the closing of a living chapter of Saudi Arabia’s past—someone who served as a human bridge between the country’s early years and its modern identity.
A Legacy of Discipline and Devotion
Sheikh Nasar will be remembered not only for his extraordinary age, but for the values people associated with him: faith, discipline, and simplicity. To those who followed his story, his life remains a striking example of endurance—and of how one person can carry history across generations.
