Born in the late 1800s, he lived through the reign of every Saudi king and witnessed Saudi Arabia’s transformation over more than a century: from desert life to modern cities with electricity, hospitals, oil wealth, and advanced technology. Al Wadaei is survived by around 134 children and grandchildren.

Family members say Al Wadaei married three times and lived with his third wife for 30 years; she reached the age of 110. Relatives said he performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times and lived simply, following traditional southern Saudi customs. More than 7,000 people attended his funeral prayers in Dhahran Al Janoub, after which he was buried in his ancestral village of Al Rashid.