The ruling Al Thani family of Qatar has become one of the most powerful landowners in London, quietly outpacing even King Charles III in terms of private property holdings.
While the British monarch’s portfolio includes iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace, these are held in trust for the nation through the Crown Estate and are not personally owned.
The Qatari royals, however, face no such limitations, their property investments are private or state-owned, and their reach now spans the capital.
What do they own?
The Al Thani family’s London portfolio is vast and growing. They reportedly own a quarter of northwest Mayfair, a district now dubbed “Little Doha.”
Among their crown jewels is Harrods, the world-famous department store. Through their Maybourne Hotel Group, the family also owns several of the city’s most exclusive hotels, Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, and the newly opened Emory.
Beyond luxury real estate and hospitality, their presence stretches into the skyline and infrastructure. The family owns a 95% stake in The Shard, Europe’s tallest building, and is a co-owner of Canary Wharf, one of London’s primary business hubs.
Their influence extends to transport and retail as well, with a 20% stake in Heathrow Airport and 14.3% ownership of Sainsbury’s, one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains.
What is the Al Thani family’s net worth?
Backed by an estimated family net worth of $335 billion, their wealth ranks among the highest of any royal family in the world. Much of this fortune stems from Qatar’s immense natural gas reserves and strategic global investments.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is personally estimated to be worth over $2 billion. With deep financial resources and a long-term investment strategy, the Qatari royals are set to remain key players in London’s future