Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Since 2024, Farah and his family have resided in Doha, and now he has officially changed his residency 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 running. Recent reports indicate that Farah has transitioned his residential status from the UK to Qatar for his company, which boasts assets of £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. This move will render the four-time Olympic gold medalist exempt from taxes.
The decision comes amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with Qatar being impacted by Iran targeting its energy facilities with drones. Over 100,000 Brits have returned to the UK from the Middle East since the conflict began over a month ago. Farah and his family own a house in Weybridge, Surrey, and have experienced the tensions of war, having witnessed hostilities between the US and Iran last summer.
In a July interview with The Telegraph, Farah expressed his concerns about safety in London, highlighting his desire for his children to grow up away from the public eye. Originally from Somalia, Farah moved to the UK at the age of eight and spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, during his athletics career. He emphasized that the relocation to Qatar was intended to provide his children with a more private upbringing.
Speaking to The National in November, Farah mentioned his positive experiences in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, underscoring his desire to spend quality time with his family post-retirement. He stressed the importance of supporting his children’s aspirations and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle in Qatar, where he can balance family time with remote work commitments.