Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Farah, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has resided in Doha since 2024 and has now officially changed his residential status.
The 43-year-old athlete and his wife Tania, along with 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 reports from The Sun, Farah has transitioned his residency from the UK to Qatar in the documents for his company, which holds assets worth £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. By moving to Qatar, Farah will be exempt from paying taxes.
This decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with Qatar also being impacted by the tensions, as Iran has targeted the country’s energy facilities using drones.
While over 100,000 British citizens have returned to the UK from the Middle East due to the escalating war, Farah and his family, who also have a residence in Weybridge, Surrey, have experienced the dangers of conflict firsthand during previous hostilities between the US and Iran.
In an interview with The Telegraph in July, Farah expressed his concerns about safety, highlighting that living in London raised worries about his children’s security amidst potential dangers. Having originally moved to the UK from Somalia at a young age and spent time in Portland, Oregon during his athletic career, Farah emphasized that the move to Qatar was aimed at providing his children with a more private and secure upbringing away from the limelight of public life.
Farah shared his positive experiences in Qatar, where his family enjoyed their time during the 2022 World Cup, emphasizing his desire to prioritize quality family time post-retirement. He emphasized that the move was a natural progression driven by the pursuit of happiness and family well-being.
The athlete underscored his commitment to supporting his children’s pursuits and ensuring their happiness, stating that being able to spend more time with his family in Qatar has brought him joy and allowed him to balance family life with his professional responsibilities.