Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Farah, who has been residing in Doha with his family since 2024, has now officially changed his residency status.
The 43-year-old, along with his wife Tania and their four children – stepdaughter Rihanna, twin daughters Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein – relocated to Doha, the capital of Qatar, following his retirement from professional running. Recently, Farah transitioned his residency from the UK to Qatar for his business, which holds assets worth £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. This move allows the four-time Olympic gold medalist to be exempt from taxes.
This decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with Qatar becoming embroiled as Iran has targeted the country’s energy facilities using drones.
Despite over 100,000 Britons returning to the UK due to the escalating war in the region, Farah and his family, who also own a residence in Weybridge, Surrey, have opted to make Qatar their permanent home. Having experienced tensions between the US and Iran firsthand last summer, Farah expressed concerns about safety in London in comparison to Qatar.
Originally from Somalia, Farah and his family resided in Portland, Oregon, for seven years during his athletic career before moving to Qatar. Farah has emphasized that the relocation to Qatar was driven by a desire for his children to grow up away from the pressures of public life associated with his celebrity status.
In an interview with The National in November, Farah shared his positive experiences in Qatar and highlighted his intention to prioritize spending quality time with his family post-retirement. He emphasized the importance of supporting his children’s aspirations and ensuring their happiness, reflecting on the ease and comfort of family life in Qatar compared to his previous hectic schedule as a professional athlete.