Inside The Qatari Royal Family’s Billionaire Lifestyle

This is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, otherwise known as the Emir — or ruler — of the country of Qatar in the Middle East. The role of emir stretches back to the mid-19th century, though Qatar’s status as an oil rich country began in 1939. World War II got in the way before they could capitalize on the discovery.  

Marriage is a serious commitment to the Emir. He has not just one but three wives! The country operates under rules and traditions dating back hundreds of years, which have caused controversy in recent times on occasions such as the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani is the Emir’s first wife and consort, whom he wed in 2005.

Sheikha Al-Anoud bint Mana Al Hajri became his second wife in 2009, with Sheikha Noora bint Hathal Al Dosari committing to him as his third wife in 2014. These unions have resulted in seven sons and six daughters. All this must add up to a royal headache when it comes to the family finances… not that they’re exactly short of pocket money!

Since then, the name Qatar has become a byword for luxury, at least in terms of the ruling class. It’s no surprise to learn that the Emir and his nearest and dearest own everything from mansions to private islands, to planes to boats and sports cars. However, the family and the country own a lot of things that may surprise you.

It’s safe to say that traveling from place to place is a whole other ball game when you’re as wealthy as the Emir of Qatar. Transport aside, ball games feature prominently in the Qatari portfolio. The Emir himself purchased Paris Saint-Germain football club, or PSG, in 2011. He’s a man who clearly enjoys his sport.

Like any royal family, the Emir has a luxurious palace that he calls home. Based in the capital city of Doha, where the Emir was born in 1980, this awe-inspiring structure has been housing rulers since 2000. A previous official residence was the Old Amiri Palace, also in Doha. This was occupied at the start of the 20th century through to 1923.  

The history of the Al Thani line in Qatar has been traced to the early 18th century. So it was probably only appropriate that, to celebrate their timeline and that of Qatar, the then-ruler had the Old Amaru Palace converted into the Qatar National Museum in the 1970s. If anyone had the budget available to make it happen, it was the emir.

The influence of the House of Thani is felt not just in Qatar but around the world. Especially so in London, you could say. The city skyline features the Shard, a striking skyscraper rising over 1,000 feet into the clouds. Designed by Renzo Piano, it’s 95 percent owned by the State of Qatar, whose head is Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Amazingly, the Qatari royal family have bought up more of London than the Crown Estate, beating King Charles himself. Many of its citizens probably have no idea that so much of the capital is owned by the great and good of a far-off place. From iconic landmarks to spectacular properties, the Qatari dynasty have access to a range of stunning locations.

Did you know that London’s premier shopping destination, associated with the very best in luxury goods, is owned by the State of Qatar? Harrods’ current net worth is believed to be over $2 billion! It’s actually owned by the Qatar Investment Authority. This sovereign wealth fund was founded by Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who was the emir at the time in 2005. 

Let’s zoom in to a true original, by which we mean a luxury car. This Pagani Zonda UNO was built specifically for Qatar’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani. You can’t fail to have noticed that the car is colored blue. All the family’s vehicles are given this turquoise shade, which gives them a highly distinctive look. Eye-catching, speedy, and unmistakable.

It may reassure you to know that the Qatari Royals are subject to the laws of the land, just like everyone else. In a slightly awkward moment from 2010, a turquoise Koenigsegg CCXR and Lamborghini Murcielago incurred a traffic warden’s wrath by parking up somewhere they shouldn’t. Ironically, the distinctive yellow clamp was attached outside Harrods, which the family own!

London is known for its array of beautifully-designed and wallet-draining hotels. Claridge’s is arguably the most famous of these. Major events, from movie press junkets to lavish parties, are held at this British institution, which has stood in Mayfair since 1812. The premises is owned by the Maybourne Hotel Group, owned by the State of Qatar. Maybourne was previously known as the Savoy Hotel Group.

Forbes House in Belgravia, Central London, is reportedly being given the royal treatment, care of Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani. He used to be Qatar’s prime minister and has set his sights on making the six-story mansion a home fit for an emir. This reportedly involved shifting the grand staircase. Sounds like an expensive renovation — and certainly not a small job.

The reported cost of the entire project was an estimated $350 million plus. However, even a former head of government with money to burn couldn’t impress Westminster council. They let their feelings on the staircase situation be known. Anxious that moving the stairs would compromise the property, the red tape people objected. The owner informed them he’d sell if he couldn’t get his way.   

Another area of London where the family have made their wealthy presence felt is Regent’s Park in London. Partly within the boundaries of Westminster, it features many super expensive houses. Cornwall Terrace is where you’ll see not just one, but two grand properties covering three addresses overall. Truly extravagant. Former Qatari consort Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned was behind the move.

No. 1 Cornwall Terrace cost a foundation-shaking $95 million. The neighbors went for the relatively cheap sum of $47 million. Built in the 19th century, the initial purchase reportedly boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and its own leisure complex. The property unfolds over an indulgent 21,500 square feet. In total the sale is one of the U.K.’s most expensive on record.  

Despite being amongst the most fabulously wealthy people on Earth, it seems the Qatari royals look after their staff. Actually, they went as far as purchasing a townhouse at the expensive end of the Big Apple, so servants could live in deluxe levels of comfort. You won’t see that kind of thing on Downton Abbey. The reported asking price was $42.5 million.

Would it surprise you to learn that the family got a discount? Depending on your definition of a discount, of course. According to The Daily Mail, a mere $41 million exchanged hands as contracts were signed. The sale was completed in 2017, leaving butlers, maids and the like to enjoy their 10,400 square foot dwelling in peace. How the other half live!

Nothing says lavish lifestyle like a yacht. Not just a yacht but a superyacht. The Katara is over 400 feet in length and was constructed for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2010. He was Emir of Qatar at the time and would rule for another three years before abdicating. The vessel ranks number 33 on the list of biggest yachts.

The superyacht Katara can travel at speeds of up to 20 knots, or 23 miles per hour for any landlubbers. It has 44 cabins in total, with 30 of these for the crew alone. Should you need to get on board when the yacht is out at sea, no problem. A helipad can accommodate easy access to VIPs from the air.

The Katara, which costs a wave-making $400 million, isn’t the only superyacht owned by the Qatari Royals as you can imagine. The Azzam, measuring 590 feet and built by Katara makers Lürssen, was reportedly commissioned for Qatar’s first family. As mentioned in 2013, Azzam’s saloon is a jaw-dropping 95-foot-long and 59-foot-wide.

The previous emir made headlines for purchasing not just one, but six Greek islands. With the former owners apparently in difficulty, they needed someone to swoop down and snap the land up fast. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, a fan of the country, was happy to oblige. He got it at a snap for a little over $8 million.

World leaders have their own planes, such as Air Force One for the U.S. president. Qatar is no different, though they’re arguably able to afford more aircraft than most. When news broke in 2018 that their luxurious Boeing 747-8 was going on the market, people with deep pockets everywhere must have been tempted to buy. It carried a price tag of almost $600 million.

The Qatari royal family’s converted Boeing 747-8 jet went from a capacity of 467 to around 80 passengers, after changes were made to accommodate the family’s taste. Seats were removed and fine details installed, such as a mansion-style dining room and two lounges on separate levels. The sense of sheer roominess extends to the sleeping area with its double bed.

In 2011 the current Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, added the French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, or PSG, to his sporting portfolio. His input has significantly boosted the team’s budget, with PSG rising to become the wealthiest club in the country. The majority share purchase took place through Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). By the following year, QSI owned all the club shares.

The Qatari royals like their European soccer squads. As well as PSG being owned by the Emir, Málaga FC was bought by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al Ahmed Al Thani in 2010. Meanwhile Cultural Leonesa, another Spanish team, was invested in by the Aspire Academy, an organization established by the Emir. No wonder Qatar were keen to host the World Cup in 2022. 

With so much wealth at their disposal, you’d expect the Qatari royals to look their best. From turquoise cars to superyachts, they know how to make an entrance. So it makes sense that family members would invest their fortune in high fashion. The Valentino brand is known worldwide, and the fashion house was bought in 2012 via Mayhoola for Investments.

The Mayhoola for Investments group receives support from former consort Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. Alongside Valentino, the group incorporates Balmain, Anya Hidmarch, and Pal Zaleri in various capacities. Sheikha Moza also co-founded the Qatar Foundation with her husband. This promotes education, science, and culture. Its name has been seen on the shirts of FC Barcelona, thanks to a sponsorship deal.

The Qatari royal family also has a strong interest in the arts and culture. Reports from 2012 covered the purchasing of Paul Cézanne’s The Card Players for a frame-busting price of $250 million. At the time, this set a world record for an art sale. It can currently be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where everyone is welcome to appreciate its iconic — and expensive — beauty. 

For a true insight into life as a Qatari billionaire, you need look no further than the reported exploits of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who spent a period of time studying at the University of Southern California. Stories from 2020 indicate he wasn’t your typical student type. For starters, he had an entourage. Plus, he wore his own branded hats.

Al Thani’s attendance on campus was allegedly… less than regular. Also, in a strange development, a dean at UCLA was given a gold statue of a camel. The reports were prompted by America’s college admissions scandal, which implicated high-profile figures who sought to obtain the best for their privileged children. We’ve heard of wild college adventures, but this is surely the most riotous college experience of all time! There are many more astonishing sights to see in the kingdom of Qatar, however...

Camel racing’s a beloved hobby in Qatar but it’s changed a lot over the years. Back in the day, it was actually children who rode the animals during races. This was obviously very dangerous, so in 2004 new jockeys started to be used. They weren’t grown-up human jockeys, though, but rather robot ones.

Think of a typical desert, and what features do you see inside your head? Well, presumably lots of sand and sun. What certainly doesn’t spring to mind, though, is water. Yet in Qatar the sea and the desert are actually right beside one another. That’s about as unusual a geographical feature as you’re ever likely to encounter.

If you fly into Hamad International Airport, you’re in for a big surprise. Most airports around the world tend to be very similar but this one has a crucial difference. Inside the main terminal building you’ll find a gargantuan teddy bear sitting around. This thing weighs something like 22 tons and it cost close to $7 million to make.

If you happen to be driving about 12 miles outside of Doha, don’t be surprised if you end up feeling like you’ve slipped into the set of Mad Max. In reality, you’ve probably stumbled across the Al Wukair Scrapyard. This is a sort of car graveyard, where something like 20,000 vehicles have been dumped in the desert.

What are New York, London, Paris, and countless other major cities around the world missing? Camels! Doha, on the other hand, has its very own camel enclosure, so anyone with a fondness for the animals can go over to take a few photos. They can be found there during the daytime and into the late afternoon.

The landscape of Qatar is extraordinary in all sorts of ways and one of the more notable features is just how flat it is. In fact, only the Maldives is flatter. So you won’t be seeing very many hills or mountains throughout Qatar. Of course, the great, flat expanses are interrupted nowadays by all the skyscrapers.

Though originally completed in 1976, Khalifa Stadium’s since entered a new stage in its development. It’s been heavily modernized and renovated in advance of the 2022 World Cup, when it’ll host thousands of spectators. The tournament will undoubtedly mark the most significant phase in the arena’s almost 50-year timeline.

Surveying the options at a big buffet is an exciting time for anyone but this particular one’s insane. It’s reported that the Doha Marriott hotel has a buffet that stretches out for more than 300 feet. Dishes from all over the world are included in this gargantuan spread.

Before Qatar made it big from selling oil, pearls were a significant export. This product’s left its mark on the nation’s culture as a result and you can very much see that recognized today. The Pearl Monument’s a notable example — it’s a fountain carefully sculpted to look like an oyster showing off a pearl.

The Villaggio Mall stands on the western side of Doha and is filled with well-known brands and stores. It has everything you’d expect to find in a shopping mall, plus something a little more unique. Cutting right through the middle of the place is a canal — complete with gondolas.

Ardha is a style of dance involving swords. It’s Qatar’s national dance, which nowadays is often seen at special events such as at a wedding or some cultural gathering. Back in the day, though, the dance would be broken out in quite different circumstances. Namely, before a battle was about to commence.

Doha’s Olympic Cycling Track has quite the claim to fame: it’s the lengthiest uninterrupted cycle path on Earth. It was finished up in 2020 and stretches out for more than 20 miles. That’s an intimidating length, for sure, especially in the intense Qatar heat. But thankfully the route’s lined with benches and resting areas.

The Qatar National Convention Center’s quite the sight. From the outside, the building appears to be held up in place by white structures resembling trees. These are, in actual fact, inspired by the Sidra tree, which has a close association with the notion of knowledge and Qatar’s heritage.

For those with an interest in ancient history, the Al Jassasiya’s a fascinating place. There, close to 900 images etched into stone have been documented. These so-called “petroglyphs” give us a glimpse into the lives of the ancient people who drew them, some of whom seem to have dated back to the Neolithic period more than 4,000 years ago.

Not far from the shores of the Qatari capital Doha is a special island naturally shaped into a sort of crescent. Viewed from the air it resembles a certain yellow fruit, from which the isle has appropriately taken its name. Banana Island’s now home to a luxury resort and is open to paying visitors.

Filled with a whole bunch of rides and attractions, the Doha Quest indoor amusement park’s a fun day out. The center places a great deal of emphasis on hi-tech amusements, something that’s definitely reflected in its space-age decor. But for people who enjoy good old-fashioned roller-coasters, there are plenty of them, too.

Much of Qatar’s territory is barren and dry but that doesn’t mean there’s no agriculture. To the northwest of Doha, for instance, there’s actually a farm that specializes in holistic forms of farming. It’s called Heenat Salma and the people there grow plants and vegetables suited to a desert environment.

Sidra Medicine’s a hospital, yes, but one designed with tremendous care. The building itself comprises a trio of sails, which is a reference to Qatar’s history of sailing on the ocean. The hospital was the fruit of Cesar Pelli’s imagination, a figure who also designed New York’s World Financial Center.

Falcons are a big part of Qatari culture and the best place to appreciate that is at the Falcon Souq. This marketplace is filled with the birds and you’ll see lots of locals coming around to inspect them. According to Lonely Planet, Thursday’s the best day of the week to visit.

Pearl-diving was once a central part of Qatari life, a fact that’s still widely acknowledged in the country today. And in a certain spot where the activity once took place, an artificial island has been constructed. This place is home nowadays to luxury hotels, restaurants, and a whole bunch of other facilities.

Another example of innovative architecture found in Qatar is the country’s National Museum. Born from the imagination of architect Jean Nouvel, the design of this building was inspired by a crystal known as the desert rose. Fittingly, Qatar’s one of the few places on Earth where you can actually find this crystal.

Among the venues set to host games for the World Cup at the end of 2022 is the Al Thumama Stadium. The design of this place was heavily based on the gahfiya, which is a type of hat worn throughout the Arab region. The stadium will host around 40,000 spectators for each game during the tournament.

As parks go, Doha’s Oxygen Park is fairly groundbreaking. It was carefully designed with the aesthetic of natural areas in mind, and the shapes of rocks and different sorts of land formations are at the heart of the site’s layout. More practical considerations went into the plans, too, as the park was purposely constructed to ensure the wind travels through it in such a way as to have a cooling effect.

Much of Qatar’s urban area has been thoroughly modernized, so the Souq Waqif marketplace stands out nowadays. Though this historic trading spot has actually been renovated in recent decades, the more traditional feel of the place has been maintained. So it can be a great site to visit in order to get a sense of the country’s heritage.

Aspire Zone is a district in Doha dedicated entirely to sports — which explains why it’s also known as Doha Sports City. Here you can find all sorts of different sporting grounds and facilities, plus an educational center. It’s home to the 980-foot-tall Aspire Tower as well, which, for the time being, is the highest building in the country.

Walking around Qanat Quartier, you wouldn’t necessarily think you’re in Doha. If anything, it feels more like Venice. This neighborhood’s filled with canals, pedestrian pathways and squares, and buildings painted in pastel hues. A range of stores and boutiques can be found there, too, not to mention plenty of restaurants.

Anyone who loves caves should take a visit to Dahl Al Misfir if ever they’re in Qatar. At roughly 130 feet deep, no other cave in the country has quite the same magnitude. Plus, fibrous gypsum is a major component there, which gives the whole cave a sort of ethereal, glowing feel.

For an awe-inspiring sight to behold in Qatar, there are few better places to visit than the Golden Masjid. This mosque’s an example of the Ottoman style but what really makes it stand out is its golden exterior. When the sun catches this place just right, it looks incredible.

The Katara Amphitheater’s a mishmash of styles. It’s a classical Greek theater, for sure, but it also has some flourishes with a distinctly Islamic character. It’s a good place to visit, as the structure itself is beautiful and it also has great views of the shimmering sea.

Qatar can get extremely hot, which definitely makes walking around a challenge. But at the public square known as Barahat Msheireb, a novel solution to that problem has been introduced. A retractable roof has been installed, so when conditions become too intense and warm the roof can be spread out to block the sun.