Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Living in Doha since 2024, Farah, along with his wife Tania and their four children, including stepdaughter Rihanna, twin daughters Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein, have now officially changed their residential status.
Reports from The Sun indicate that Farah has transitioned his residency from the UK to Qatar in documentation for his company, which boasts assets of £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. By relocating to Qatar, the four-time Olympic gold medalist will be exempt from taxes.
The decision to move comes amidst the current turmoil in the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts between Israel, the United States, and Iran affecting the region. Qatar has also been impacted by the tensions, facing attacks on its energy facilities by Iranian drones.
While over 100,000 Britons have fled the Middle East to return to the UK since the conflict began more than a month ago, Farah and his family, who also have a residence in Weybridge, Surrey, are no strangers to the dangers of war, having experienced hostilities between the US and Iran last summer.
In an interview with The Telegraph in July, following an Iranian missile strike on a US base in Qatar, Farah expressed his feelings of safety in Qatar compared to London, emphasizing the desire to provide his children with a secure environment away from potential risks.
Originally from Somalia, Farah moved to the UK as a child and spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, during his athletic career. The shift to Qatar was primarily motivated by the intention to allow his children to grow up away from the pressures of public life associated with his celebrity status.
Speaking to The National in November, Farah highlighted his family’s positive experiences in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, emphasizing his desire to spend quality time with his loved ones after retiring from competitive running. Farah emphasized the importance of supporting his children’s aspirations and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle in Qatar, where he can balance family time with his professional commitments.