2025-08-09T09:51:29Z

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Imagine owning more real estate in London than King Charles himself—that’s exactly what the House of Al-Thani has achieved! With a staggering 1.8 million square feet of property in the capital, they have turned London into their playground, earning the nickname ‘Little Doha’ for a reason.

The Al-Thani family, the ruling dynasty of Qatar, has created an impressive real estate empire that rivals even the British royal family. With property holdings valued at around £2.4 billion, it's no wonder they are dominating the London skyline. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, alone boasts a personal fortune of about £1.6 billion, making him a key player in this luxurious game of real estate chess.

But it’s not just about the bricks and mortar. The Qatari royal family is also behind some of London’s most iconic brands. Back in 2010, they swooped in to buy Harrods, the department store known for luxury shopping, through the Qatar Investment Authority, the state's sovereign wealth fund. Not stopping there, they’ve extended their influence in the hospitality industry, with Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani serving as a director of Maybourne Hotels, which includes elite establishments like The Berkeley and Claridge's.

And the Al-Thani legacy doesn’t end with fancy hotels and shopping destinations. They are the owners of 95% of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building, a striking architectural marvel that reshapes London's skyline. The family’s investments also stretch into the financial sector, with stakes in Canary Wharf and a 20% share in Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest travel hubs. They even hold a 14.3% stake in Sainsbury's, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, further deepening their integration into British life.

While King Charles oversees several royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, these are not private properties. They belong to the Crown and are held on behalf of the nation, making the Al-Thani family's reach in London's real estate landscape all the more remarkable.