Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after his government was toppled after 50 years of rule in the face of an onslaught by rebels who took control of the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Following the uprising, President Assad, his British-born wife and their three adult children have left behind their palaces in Syria and will start a new life in Russia after being granted asylum by Russia.
The US State Department estimates that the family has a fortune of $2 billion, hidden in numerous accounts, shell companies, offshore tax havens and real estate portfolios.
The exact amount and where it is held are unclear, but a large portion of it is thought to be hidden in secret locations or invested in foreign banks.
According to the Saudi newspaper Elav, which cited data from the British intelligence service MI6, the Assad family's wealth amounts to 200 tons of gold, 16 billion dollars and 5 billion euros.
The amount is equivalent to Syria's entire budget for 7 years compared to 2023 data, the report claimed.
However, there was no way to verify this claim, foreign media wrote.
The closest thing to an accurate account of Bashar al-Assad's wealth is a 2022 report from the US State Department.
Assad has built his wealth over the years using a variety of methods. Much of it comes from Syria's oil and gas, which are sold to other countries.
He is also rumored to have made money from the sale of rare artifacts and through deals with powerful allies. Some of this wealth may have been acquired during Syria's long conflict.
Bashar al-Assad Net Worth
200 billion dollars
Annual income
16 billion dollars
Luxurious palaces
75+
Owned land
25,000 square kilometers
Private jets
5+
Gold reserves
12 billion dollars
Luxury yachts
10+
Passenger ship
three
Investments abroad
80 billion dollars
Real estate
Bashar al-Assad reportedly owns a luxury apartment in Dubai's Burj Khalifa district, worth around $25 million.
Additionally, Assad reportedly owns a private villa on Dubai's exclusive Palm Jumeirah, worth an estimated $18 million, with a private beach, infinity pool and luxurious gardens.
In France, Assad reportedly owns a castle located in Provence, worth $50 million.
Assad is also believed to have a multi-million dollar apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris, worth $12 million.