Qatari PM splashes out $47m on NY townhouse

The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, has bought a New York townhouse for US$47m.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani purchased the East 71st Street property from real estate tycoon, Aby Rosen, via his Tower Management Holdings company, the New York Post reported.

“The deal was done in huge secrecy without a broker. The house has been purchased through a LLC (Limited Liability Company) Tower Management Holdings, to protect the identity of the buyer, Sheikh Hamad, who has been looking to purchase a New York property,” an unnamed source told the newspaper.

The townhouse is reportedly famed for playing host to Rosen’s lavish parties, despite him never living in the property. 

Reports have claimed that the Qatari Prime Minister has been looking to purchase a New York-based property for several months. In July local newspapers said Sheikh Hamad decided against buying the city’s most expensive penthouse for US$100m because the building was not large enough for his entourage.

He was reportedly also denied permission to purchase two apartments owned by the copper heiress Huguette Clark for US$31m after being rejected by the co-op board.