Saudi Arabia Jan 13: Saudi Arabia’s oldest known man, Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, has died at the age of 142, according to local media reports, marking the end of a life that spanned more than a century of the Kingdom’s modern history.
Funeral prayers were held in Dhahran Al Janoub, in southern Saudi Arabia, before Al Wadaei was laid to rest in his home village of Al Rashid. More than 7,000 people reportedly attended the funeral, reflecting the widespread respect he commanded in the region. Born before the unification of Saudi Arabia, Al Wadaei lived through the reigns of the Kingdom’s leaders, from King Abdulaziz, the founder of the modern Saudi state, to King Salman. His lifetime coincided with profound political, social and economic transformations across the country. According to family members, Al Wadaei was deeply religious and performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times over the course of his life. He was also known for his longevity and resilience, traits that drew admiration from many across the Kingdom. Al Wadaei is survived by 134 children and grandchildren. Reports indicate that he married for the last time at the age of 110 and later welcomed a daughter. News of his death spread rapidly across Saudi social media platforms, where users described him as a symbol of faith, endurance and a living witness to Saudi Arabia’s history.
