Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is on a two-day visit to India, a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations. His visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to deepen bilateral ties. In a special gesture, PM Modi broke protocol and personally welcomed Sheikh Tamim at the airport, reflecting the importance of this visit.
Who is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani?
Born in 1980, Sheikh Tamim is the son of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In 2003, after his elder brother Sheikh Jassim renounced his claim to the throne, Sheikh Tamim was declared the official heir. He ascended to power in 2013 after his father abdicated the throne.
Sheikh Tamim completed his education at the prestigious Harrow School in London and later received military training from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After graduating in 1998, he returned to Qatar and joined the army as a second lieutenant.
Following his appointment as heir in 2003, Sheikh Tamim was immediately named Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Qatar Armed Forces. He played a crucial role in shaping the country’s security and economic policies, proving his leadership capabilities.
A Life of Luxury and Wealth
Sheikh Tamim is among the world’s wealthiest rulers. According to Forbes, he is the eighth-richest monarch globally, with a personal net worth of approximately $2.4 billion (₹20,000 crore). The Al Thani family’s total wealth is estimated at around $335 billion (₹28 lakh crore), making them one of the richest royal families in the world.
The Emir and his family reside in Doha’s magnificent Royal Palace, known for its lavish gold-plated interiors. The palace complex consists of 15 palaces and a parking space for over 500 luxury cars. In 2019, Sheikh Tamim commissioned another extravagant palace in Oman, comparable in grandeur to the Royal Palace in Doha.
The World’s Most Expensive Yacht
Sheikh Tamim is known for his extravagant lifestyle, and one of the prime examples of his luxury is his yacht, ‘The Katara.’ This 124-meter-long yacht is one of the largest and most expensive in the world, valued at approximately $400 million (₹3,300 crore). It features a helipad, multiple decks, and accommodations for 35 guests and 90 crew members.
A Passion for Luxury Cars and Football Clubs
The Emir owns a vast collection of rare and expensive cars, including Bugatti Divo, Veyron, and Chiron, LaFerrari Aperta, Lamborghini Centenario, Mercedes AMG 6×6, and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Sheikh Tamim and the Qatari royal family have a deep passion for sports. In 2004, he established Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), which acquired the prestigious French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2011. More recently, in October 2023, QSI secured a 21.7% stake in Portugal’s top football club SC Braga.
Sheikh Tamim’s Visit to India
On February 18, Sheikh Tamim will be accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also hold high-level meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These discussions are expected to enhance economic and diplomatic cooperation between India and Qatar.
Sheikh Tamim’s visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening India-Qatar relations, paving the way for greater collaboration in trade, investment, and strategic affairs.