What does Qatar own around the world? | CNBC Explains - YouTube

Qatar might be a tiny Gulf country with a population of just 2.2 million,

but what it lacks in size it makes up for in assets around the world.

Here in London, Qatar owns even more property than the Queen of England.

In New York, Qatar’s investment arm bought nearly a 10% stake in the owners of the Empire State Building.

In Los Angeles, a Qatari media group purchased Miramax studios last year for an undisclosed amount.

In Singapore, Qatar’s investment fund recently purchased this tower for $2.5 billion.

And here in San Francisco, the sovereign wealth fund plans

to open an office in an effort to invest in Silicon Valley.

Qatar is located in the heart of the Middle East.

It’s the richest country per capita in the world.

So where does it get all its money?

Oil and gas, the cornerstones of Qatar’s economy.

Back in 2005, the Qatar investment authority was set up to manage the state’s massive revenues,

specializing in domestic and foreign investment.

Today, the sovereign wealth fund has more than $334 billion in assets,

making it the 11th largest fund in the world.

And it’s lucky they set up the fund.

Oil and gas aren’t bringing in the revenue they used to.

And confidence in the fund allowed the government to issue

$9 billion in bonds last May to finance its budget deficit.

Qatar National Vision 2030 is an initiative taking these overseas investments to the next level.

That’s why you can find so much Qatari money overseas, particularly in London.

Qatar-based entities now own 34% of the top 15 most expensive skyscrapers in London.

By comparison, U.K. companies own just 21%.

Just take a look at London’s skyline.

In 2015, a Qatari-led group purchased London’s Canary Wharf business complex,

adding to its assets here in the city, which include the HSBC Tower and the Shard skyscraper.

In some of London’s poshest areas, you can even live, work and shop in completely Qatari-owned properties.

In fact, this neighborhood is sometimes referred to as Qatari Quarter,

with an estimated 25% of all properties owned by Qatari investors.

Qatar even won approval to convert the old U.S. embassy into a luxury hotel.

Qatar’s investments exceed far beyond real estate though.

Qatar recently raised its stake in British Airways-owner IAGSA to 20%.

And speaking of airlines and travel, Qatar likes airports and not just in Doha.

It bought a 20% stake in London Heathrow airport back in 2012,

and now, owns about a quarter stake in St. Petersburg airport in Russia.

It’s fair to say Qatar’s investments are diversified.

It spans from travel, real estate, luxury, sports, and tech.

Qatari investors bought Italian luxury brand, Valentino.

Qatari sports investments bought Paris Saint-Germain football club in 2011,

which later went on to win four French soccer league titles.

Qatar has traditionally put investments into Europe but lately,

it's decided to diversify into North America and Asia.

In fact, it’s said it will spend $35 billion in the U.S. by 2020.

From investing in Uber and expanding in Silicon Valley, to investing in New York real estate,

including its 44% stake in a nearly $9 billion redevelopment project in Manhattan.

And over in Asia, last year Qatar’s investment fund

bought Singapore’s Asia Square Tower 1 from BlackRock.

The $2.5 billion deal was the largest office transaction in Singapore’s history.

And these investments really just scratch the surface of

where the world’s richest country per capita is putting its cash.

As Qatar diversifies its investments across industries and continents,

the tiny country is showing little signs of slowing down in its mission to buy some of the world’s biggest assets.