Sir Mo Farah has made a permanent move with his family from the UK to Qatar, despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Farah and his family have been residing in Doha since 2024 and have now officially changed their residency status.
The 43-year-old former Olympian and his wife Tania have four children: stepdaughter Rihanna, twin girls Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein. Following his retirement from running, they relocated to Doha, the capital of Qatar, and are now solidifying their move.
According to reports from The Sun, Farah has transitioned his residency from the UK to Qatar for his business, which boasts assets of £3.9 million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. By shifting his residency to Qatar, the four-time Olympic gold medalist will enjoy tax exemptions.
This move comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Qatar has been drawn into the conflict, with Iran targeting the country’s energy facilities using drones.
While more than 100,000 Britons have returned to the UK from the Middle East since the conflict began over a month ago, Farah and his family, who also have a residence in Weybridge, Surrey, are familiar with the perils of war, having witnessed tensions between the US and Iran last summer.
Speaking to The Telegraph in July, after an Iranian missile strike on a US base in Qatar, Farah expressed his belief that living in Qatar is safer than in London, citing concerns about safety and the desire for his children to grow up away from the public eye.
Originally from Somalia, Farah moved to the UK at the age of eight and resided in Portland, Oregon, for seven years during his athletics career. He has previously stated that the decision to move to Qatar was driven by his desire for his children to have a more private upbringing.
In an interview with The National in November, Farah shared his positive experiences in Qatar, highlighting his family’s enjoyment of the country and his focus on spending quality time with them after retiring from professional running. He emphasized the importance of supporting his children’s aspirations and providing a secure environment for them to thrive.