What Companies Does Qatar Own?

Qatar, the world’s wealthiest country per capita, has made significant investments in various industries across the globe. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, holds an estimated $450 billion in assets and owns a diverse portfolio of companies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable companies that Qatar owns, showcasing its economic influence and diversification strategy beyond the energy sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
• QIA holds an estimated $450 billion in assets.
• Notable companies owned by Qatar include Volkswagen, Barclays, Canary Wharf Group, Sainsbury’s, Harrods, and the International Airlines Group.
• Qatar’s investments highlight its economic influence and diversification strategy.

Qatar Investment Authority: Qatar’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, established in 2005 with the goal of managing and diversifying the country’s oil and natural gas surpluses. As the world’s wealthiest country per capita, Qatar has entrusted the QIA with an estimated $475 billion in assets, making it one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally.

The QIA plays a crucial role in promoting Qatar’s economic influence both domestically and internationally. It invests in various sectors, including finance, real estate, technology, and energy. Through strategic investments, the QIA supports the growth of Qatar government-owned companies and drives the nation’s economic development.

Some notable subsidiaries of the QIA include Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, which focuses on developing iconic real estate projects worldwide, and Qatar Holding LLC, which manages investments in various industries. The QIA also owns Hassad Food, a company dedicated to ensuring food security for Qatar and investing in the agricultural sector globally.

Qatar Government-Owned Companies

The QIA’s investments in government-owned companies contribute significantly to Qatar’s economic diversification and global influence. These investments include major acquisitions such as Volkswagen, one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, and the International Airlines Group, which operates British Airways and other airlines.

Company	Industry
Volkswagen	Automotive
International Airlines Group	Aviation
Barclays	Finance
Canary Wharf Group	Real Estate
Sainsbury’s	Retail
Harrods	Retail

These investments reflect Qatar’s strategy of diversifying its economic interests and expanding its global portfolio. By owning influential companies in various industries, Qatar continues to reinforce its position as a key player in the global market.

Qatar’s Investments in the UK

Qatar, through its state-owned companies and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has made significant investments in the United Kingdom, strengthening bilateral relations and diversifying its business holdings. With over £40 billion in holdings, Qatar’s presence in the UK spans various sectors and iconic institutions.

One of Qatar’s notable acquisitions is Harrods, the world-famous luxury department store, which was acquired by Qatar Holding in 2010. This acquisition showcases Qatar’s ambition to establish a strong presence in the retail sector. Additionally, Qatar holds substantial stakes in major British companies, including Barclays and Sainsbury’s, further solidifying its economic influence in the UK.

Real estate is another area where Qatar has established a significant presence. The country holds a stake in the Canary Wharf Group, a major commercial real estate developer in London. Moreover, Qatar has invested in The Shard, the iconic skyscraper that has become a symbol of London’s skyline. These investments in the real estate sector demonstrate Qatar’s long-term commitment to the UK and its strategy of diversifying its business portfolio.

Through its investments in the UK, Qatar continues to expand its global reach and enhance its position as a key player in the international business arena. The Qatari Corporation Holdings, together with the Qatar Investment Authority, remains actively involved in identifying and capitalizing on strategic investment opportunities across various sectors in the UK and beyond.