 "Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is on a two-day official visit to India. He is here on invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Image courtesy: X/@narendramodi")
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has arrived in India for a two-day official visit, marking a significant moment in diplomatic ties between the two nations.
As the leader of one of the world’s wealthiest countries, his visit comes with much fanfare, including a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan, a grand banquet, and high-level meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
But who is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani? What do we know about the Qatari leader, and what’s on the agenda for his visit? Here’s a closer look.
Who is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani?
Born in 1980 to former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani became the heir apparent in 2003 after his older brother, Sheikh Jasim, renounced his claim to the throne. A decade later, in 2013, he ascended to power following his father’s abdication.
Sheikh Tamim received his education in London, attending the prestigious Harrow School before enrolling at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After graduating in 1998, he returned to Qatar and joined the army as a second lieutenant.
Upon being named heir apparent in 2003, he was immediately appointed deputy commander-in-chief of Qatar’s armed forces. He quickly took on key roles in the country’s security and economic sectors, preparing for his future leadership.
Renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, Sheikh Tamim is ranked as the eighth richest monarch in the world. Reports suggest that the Al Thani family’s total wealth stands at approximately $335 billion, while his personal fortune is estimated to be around $2.4 billion.
Notably, in 2022, he was recognised as the most influential Muslim in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre.
A father of 13, Sheikh Tamim has been married three times and resides in Doha, living a life of unparalleled luxury.
The mega fortune of the Qatar Emir
As the supreme leader of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim oversees a nation with significant wealth, primarily derived from its vast natural gas and oil reserves. The ruling Al-Thani family is one of the wealthiest surviving dynasties in the world.
The Emir and his family reside in the opulent Doha Royal Palace, an extravagant estate reportedly adorned with gold. This massive property consists of 15 palaces and an enormous car park that can accommodate over 500 vehicles, according to Traveler’s Top.
In 2019, Sheikh Tamim built another luxurious palace in Oman, using materials similar to those in the Doha Royal Palace.
When not in their palaces, the Qatari royals enjoy their time aboard their luxurious yachts. Sheikh Tamim is said to own The Katara, one of the world’s largest and most expensive mega-yachts.
Estimated to be worth nearly $400 million, the 124-metre vessel features a helicopter pad and multiple decks, accommodating up to 35 guests and a crew of 90, as per British media reports.
The family also enjoys an exclusive private airline, Qatar Amiri Flight, which caters solely to royal family members. Plane Spotters reports that the airline’s fleet includes 14 aircraft, including three Boeing 747-8s, the brand’s most expensive commercial jet, each costing over $400 million.
On the roads, Sheikh Tamim’s car collection is equally extravagant. His garage features multiple Bugattis, including the Divo, Veyron, and Chiron, as well as rare models like the LaFerrari Aperta, Lamborghini Centenario, Mercedes AMG 6x6, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom, according to Select Car Leasing and Qatar Just.
Beyond luxury, the Qatari royal family has a deep passion for sports. Sheikh Tamim founded Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2004, which later acquired Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2011, as per BBC. More recently, in October 2023, QSI secured a 21.7 per cent stake in SC Braga, one of Portugal’s top football clubs, according to the investment group’s official site.
What’s on the agenda?
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is on a two-day official visit to India, which will conclude on February 18, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This marks his second trip to India, the first being in 2015. His visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Qatari Emir is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. He will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on February 18, followed by meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour. He is also scheduled to hold discussions with PM Modi, with talks expected to focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
Highlighting the strong ties between the two nations, the MEA stated, “India and Qatar have deep-rooted historical ties of friendship, trust and mutual respect. In recent years, the ties between the two countries, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, have continued to strengthen.”
The ministry further acknowledged the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in Qatar, stating, “The Indian community residing in Qatar forms the largest expatriate community in the country and is appreciated for its positive contribution to Qatar’s progress and development. The visit of His Highness the Emir will provide further momentum to our growing multifaceted partnership.”
Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Doha for his first diplomatic engagement of 2025, where he met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
With input from agencies