The $400 million Boeing 747 Qatari royal family gave USA isn't even the most expensive gift they've given
Published on Jun 09, 2025 at 8:10 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jun 09, 2025 at 8:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Qatari Royal Family has given the US President a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 airliner, but it isn’t the most expensive gift they’ve ever given.
The Qatari Royal Family is one of the richest in the world, and they love to give world leaders luxury gifts and items to show them their appreciation.
With a net worth of $450 billion, it’s no surprise they are happy to showcase their wealth, and the Boeing 747 is one of many ways they’ve done so.
Incredibly, however, it isn’t the most expensive, as plenty of others take the top bill.
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Race horses are one of the gifts the family has given over the years.
Knowing the late Queen Elizabeth II was a lover of horses and racing, the Qataris have gifted some thoroughbreds to the then-monarch.
Some 40 horses were gifted to the queen from Qatar as well as Dubai, and the Saudi royals.
The Queen sold 29 of them at one point to net $2 million, with one of the horses being from the Qatari Royal Family.
Queen Elizabeth II has also had other gifts from the Qatari royals.
In 1953, she was presented with a three-strand pearl necklace by the Emir of Qatar.
The incredible diamond clasp on the necklace allowed it to stand out.
Other nations have also received extravagant gifts.
In 2008, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani gifted the nation of Lebanon an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter.
But this wasn’t a normal helicopter as it had once been a part of the Qatari Royal Fleet.
As such, it had gold-trimmed fittings, soundproof cabins, and was estimated to cost up to $15 million.
The $400 million Boeing 747 being given to the United States is a clear highlight when it comes to Qatari gifts.
Specifically a Boeing 747-8, the jet was originally fitted for ultra-VIP transport.
It’s now set to undergo a new retrofit before its controversial delivery to the US Air Force.
Yet the most expensive gift given by the Qataris is the $500 million flying palace given to Turkey.
This was a Boeing 747-8i that was turned into a literal flying palace.
It had a hospital bay, lounges, private bedrooms, and various golden accents, plus a throne room.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was gifted the jet by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
As far as gifts go, it’s difficult to beat an actual flying palace!
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
