Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Living in Doha since 2024, 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, have now officially changed their residency to the capital city of Qatar.
According to reports from The Sun, Farah has transitioned his residential status to Qatar in official documents related to his company, which holds assets worth £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in taxes and VAT in 2023. This relocation allows the four-time Olympic gold medalist to be exempt from tax obligations.
The decision to move comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Qatar has been impacted by this turmoil, with Iran targeting the country’s energy facilities using drones.
Despite more than 100,000 Brits returning to the UK from the Middle East due to the recent conflict, Farah and his family, who own a house in Weybridge, Surrey, have chosen to establish their roots in Qatar. Having witnessed tensions between the US and Iran last summer, Farah expressed concern for his children’s safety in London, highlighting the appeal of a more secure environment in Qatar.
Originally from Somalia and having spent time in Portland, Oregon, during his athletic career, Farah explained that the move to Qatar was driven by the desire for his children to grow up away from the pressures of public scrutiny associated with celebrity status.
In an interview with The National, Farah shared his positive experiences in Qatar, emphasizing his commitment to spending quality time with his family post-retirement. He expressed contentment with the decision to relocate, citing the ease of balancing family life and work responsibilities in the new environment.