Qatar’s Shadow Over London 🧵 Qatar, mainly through its sovereign wealth fund QIA and Qatari Diar, has become one of London’s biggest foreign property owners, controlling around 24 million square feet. While this investment has boosted development, Qatar’s grip on major
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1. Harrods - Luxury Department Store Fully acquired by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in 2010 for £1.5 billion from Mohammed Al Fayed. The QIA, managing Qatar’s sovereign wealth, retains 100% control, making it a flagship retail investment in Knightsbridge.
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2. The Shard - Europe’s Tallest Skyscraper QIA holds a 95% stake, purchased through a joint venture with Sellar Property Group. The remaining 5% is with the original developer, with QIA’s investment finalised in 2013, cementing its dominance over this Southwark icon.
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3. Canary Wharf Group - Major Financial District Co-owned by QIA and Brookfield Asset Management, with QIA securing a 50% stake in 2015 for £2.6 billion. This partnership manages 21.4 million square feet, including One Canada Square, a critical financial hub.
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4. Olympic Village (East Village) - Residential Development Qatari Diar bought the site for £557 million in 2011 from the Olympic Delivery Authority post-2012 Games. They hold full ownership, developing 2,800 homes in Stratford, with Triathlon Homes managing a portion under a
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5. Former US Embassy Building (Chancery Building) - Historic Property Acquired by Qatari Diar in 2009 for an undisclosed sum from the U.S. government. Qatari Diar retains 100% ownership, planning to transform the Mayfair property into a luxury hotel and retail complex.
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6. One Hyde Park - Luxury Residential Complex Half of the development is owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, former Qatari Prime Minister, via his company Waterknights. The other half is held by the Candy brothers’ CPC Group, with Al Thani’s stake valued at over £500
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7. Chelsea Barracks - Former Military Site Purchased by Qatari Diar in 2007 for over £900 million from the Ministry of Defence. Qatari Diar holds full ownership, collaborating with architects like Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners for the 448-home redevelopment.
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8. Regent’s Park Property - Luxury Residential Compound Three adjacent homes bought for £120 million by Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, wife of the former Emir. She retains sole ownership, with plans to merge them into a single £200 million+ residence.
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9. Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley - Luxury Hotels Acquired by QIA in 2015 for £1.6 billion from the Barclay brothers via their Maybourne Hotel Group. QIA holds 100% ownership, managing these Mayfair and Knightsbridge properties through a dedicated hospitality arm.
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10. London Stock Exchange - Financial Institution QIA reduced its stake to 10% in 2015 from an initial 20% bought in 2007 for £400 million. This minority stake is part of a broader investment in London’s financial infrastructure.
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11. Camden Market - Retail and Tourist Destination QIA acquired a 20% stake in 2008 for £80 million, partnering with London & Regional Properties, which holds the majority 80%. This investment supports the market’s ongoing revitalization.
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12. Other Investments - Various Assets Sainsbury’s: QIA owns a 22% stake, acquired in 2007 for £1.4 billion, making it a significant shareholder. Barclays Bank: QIA holds a 5.9% stake, bought in 2008 for £1.5 billion, as part of a rescue package. Heathrow Airport Holdings: QIA
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