With an estimated fortune of several tens of billions of dollars, the Al Thani dynasty is one of the most powerful ruling families in the world, combining investments in multinational corporations with strong cultural influence.
Al Thani, a name that has been on display all year round since 2021 in Paris, at the Hôtel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde. Number 2 on this famous square is home to the Al Thani Collection, an exceptional collection of more than 6,000 works of art covering a period from antiquity to the present day and owned by the Al Thani Collection Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting art and culture, founded by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, first cousin of the Emir of Qatar.
This family, which has ruled Qatar since the 19th century, descends from Mohammed bin Thani, a notable figure from Doha and founder of the modern dynasty. Their rise is linked to British intervention in the Gulf to curb maritime piracy and secure trade routes. Qatar, once under the influence of Bahrain and the Ottoman Empire, gradually became autonomous and gained independence in 1971. The exploitation of oil and gas transformed this family into one of the richest in the world.
An ultra-powerful family on all fronts
The current Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, born in 1980, is the second son of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who abdicated in 2013 in favor of his successor, marking the first recent succession without a coup. Tamim has three wives: Jawaher bint Hamad, Al-Anoud bint Mana, and Noora bint Hathal. From these unions, 13 children have been born. The monarchy remains authoritarian, concentrating both executive and legislative power in the hands of the Emir.
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Featured photo : International Media Office
