Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move from the UK to Qatar with his family, despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Living in Doha since 2024, Farah has now officially changed his residency status.
The 43-year-old, along with his wife Tania and their four children – stepdaughter Rihanna, twin girls Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein, relocated to the capital of Qatar after retiring from his running career.
According to reports from The Sun, Farah has transitioned his residency from the UK to Qatar for his company, which holds assets worth £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. This move will make the four-time Olympic gold medalist exempt from tax obligations.
This shift comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Qatar has been impacted by the conflict, with Iran targeting the country’s energy facilities using drones.
While over 100,000 Britons have returned to the UK due to the escalating war in the region, Farah and his family, who also have a residence in Weybridge, Surrey, have opted to settle in Qatar. Having witnessed tensions between the US and Iran last summer, Farah expressed concerns about the safety of raising children in London.
Originally from Somalia, Farah moved to the UK as a child and spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, during his athletics career. The decision to relocate to Qatar was driven by the desire for his children to grow up away from the spotlight of celebrity public life.
In a statement to The National in November, Farah shared his experience of attending the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and how his family enjoyed the visit. He emphasized his goal of spending quality time with his family post-retirement and supporting his children in their pursuits.
Farah highlighted the importance of being able to provide a supportive environment for his children and expressed his enjoyment of the more relaxed lifestyle in Qatar, allowing him to be with his family while continuing his professional endeavors.