Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Farah and his family have resided in Doha since 2024 and have now officially changed their residential status.
The 43-year-old, along with his wife Tania and their four children, including stepdaughter Rihanna, twin girls Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein, relocated to Doha, the capital of Qatar, following his retirement from professional running.
According to The Sun, Farah has transitioned his residency from the UK to Qatar in the documentation for his company, which boasts assets of £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in taxes and VAT in 2023. By shifting his residency to Qatar, the four-time Olympic gold medalist will be exempt from taxes.
This move comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, with Qatar being drawn into the turmoil as Iran targets the country’s energy installations with drones.
In light of the recent war in the region, over 100,000 British citizens have returned to the UK from the Middle East. Despite having a residence in Weybridge, Surrey, Farah and his family have experienced the dangers of conflict firsthand, witnessing hostilities between the US and Iran last year.
In an interview with The Telegraph in July, following an Iranian missile strike on a US base in Qatar, Farah expressed that he finds Qatar safer than London. Having moved to the UK from Somalia at the age of eight and spending seven years in Portland, Oregon during his athletic career, Farah emphasized that the relocation to Qatar was primarily to provide his children with a more private upbringing away from the public spotlight.
Speaking to The National in November, Farah shared his positive experiences in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, highlighting his desire to spend quality time with his family post-retirement. He emphasized the importance of supporting his children’s aspirations and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle in Qatar.
Farah’s decision to permanently settle in Qatar reflects his desire for a peaceful and fulfilling family life away from the uncertainties of conflict and the pressures of public life.