Sir Mo Farah has permanently relocated his family to Qatar from the UK, despite the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Farah, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has resided in Doha with his wife Tania and their children since 2024 and has now formalized the change in their residency status.
The 43-year-old athlete and his wife have four children: stepdaughter Rihanna, twin daughters Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein. Following his retirement from running, the family made the decision to move to Doha, the capital of Qatar, and have now completed the transition.
According to The Sun, Farah has updated his residency status from the UK to Qatar in the documentation for his company, which boasts assets worth £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. By shifting his residency to Qatar, Farah will enjoy tax exemptions.
This move comes at a critical time as the Middle East grapples with conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Qatar has been drawn into the turmoil, with Iran targeting the country’s energy facilities using drones.
While over 100,000 Britons have fled the Middle East to return to the UK since the conflict began over a month ago, Farah and his family, who own a house in Weybridge, Surrey, have decided to remain in Qatar. Having experienced tensions between the US and Iran last summer, they are no strangers to the dangers of war.
In an interview with The Telegraph in July, Farah expressed his concerns about safety, stating that living in London had started to worry him due to unpredictable circumstances. Originally from Somalia, Farah moved to the UK at the age of eight and spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, during his athletic career. The decision to relocate to Qatar was driven by a desire for his children to grow up away from the spotlight of public scrutiny.
Reflecting on his family’s experience in Qatar, Farah mentioned his enjoyment of spending quality time with his loved ones, emphasizing the importance of supporting his children’s aspirations. He highlighted the ease of balancing work with family life in Qatar, underscoring his contentment with the decision to make the move.
Farah’s transition to Qatar signifies a new chapter for the renowned athlete and his family, prioritizing their well-being and happiness in a different environment.