Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani began his journey in the 1960s, when the real-estate sector in Qatar was still nascent. According to the company’s own history, in 1960, he founded the precursor to today’s Ezdan Holding Group (EHG) under the name Thani Bin Abdullah Housing Group, reflecting his belief that Qatar was about to undergo a major urban transformation.
From the outset, Sheikh Thani pursued a strategy of identifying where demand for housing and development would arise, not just in Doha but in growing communities across the emirate. As one corporate history explains: “the company interpreted this trend by investing in Al Wakra, Al Wukair and Al Gharafa”.
His early recognition of the real estate opportunity laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s major diversified investment groups.
Growth, Transformation and Strategic Shift
Over time, the company evolved considerably. In 1993, the business was converted into a limited liability company. Then in 2007 (and publicly listed on the Qatar Exchange around 2008), the firm was re-branded as Ezdan Real Estate Company and later matured into Ezdan Holding Group, a multi-sector investment holding.
Today, Ezdan Holding Group is recognized as one of Qatar’s major business groups, with interests spanning real estate, hospitality, malls, and more. It remains founded by Sheikh Thani, and he retains a substantial shareholding.
Under his leadership, the group embraced diversification, not merely building and letting residential apartments, but also acquiring strategic stakes in other sectors. For example, in 2014, Ezdan announced a 20 % stake acquisition in Qatari Investors Group as part of a diversification strategy. Hence, the keywords real estate, holding, and philanthropy emerge as recurring themes in his story.
Impact on Qatar’s Property Landscape
In a country undergoing rapid growth, Sheikh Thani’s vision helped meet the burgeoning demand for housing, commercial and mixed-use developments. Corporate publications note that he believed “Qatar is about to witness a vast economic and urban renaissance”.
By expanding into areas beyond central Doha, investing in satellite cities and suburban areas, the group contributed to the broader urban development of Qatar. The group’s own narrative emphasizes regional presence rather than concentration solely in the capital.
As the company matured, its reporting indicated that by 2017 it had achieved a net profit of QR1.7 billion, and its diversified approach enabled resilience in a changing market.
Humanitarian Leadership and Global Commitments
Beyond business, Sheikh Thani has built a substantial profile in humanitarian work. On 9 October 2019, he was appointed regional “Eminent Advocate” by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
In April 2019, he made a landmark Zakat contribution through UNHCR in support of Rohingya refugees and displaced Yemenis, described as the largest individual Zakat donation the organization had received at that time.
His philanthropic footprint spans multiple countries, including Bangladesh, Yemen, Lebanon, Pakistan and Chad, extending support to refugees and displaced persons through basic needs, health, education and shelter.
By championing both commercial development at home and human-development abroad, Sheikh Thani combines the themes of real estate, holding and philanthropy in a unified personal narrative.
Leadership and Ownership
Sheikh Thani remains a major shareholder in Ezdan Holding Group and continues to exert influence, even if operational control is delegated. Corporate filings show that his holding (via a Waqf) owns some 22.81 % of Ezdan Holding’s shares.
Additionally, in April 2025, the group announced that a new Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term elected him as Chairman of the Board (non-executive), illustrating that he remains formally at the helm.
Recognition and Awards
His contributions have been formally recognized. In October 2012 Sheikh Thani received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young “Growing Beyond Summit” in Qatar, acknowledging his decades of effort in real estate and the economy.
Industry publications highlight his status in sectors such as Islamic banking, takaful (Islamic insurance) and healthcare, underscoring the breadth of his influence.
A Legacy of Purpose
Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani’s story highlights how a long-term vision in real estate, combined with diversification into holding activities and a strong philanthropic ethos, can create a lasting legacy. His belief in investing across regions of Qatar, his commitment to meeting societal needs through housing and community development, and his global humanitarian engagement collectively distinguish him in the Gulf region’s business-philanthropy space.
In an environment where many simply capitalise on rapid growth, his approach has been characterised by steady expansion, broad sector participation and meaningful social contribution. The repeated themes of real estate, holding and philanthropy are evident throughout his career and remain central to his ongoing work in Qatar and beyond.
