Creeping steadily above the London skyline, the Shard will be Europe’s tallest building when it is finally finished in a few weeks’ time: an extraordinary monument to glass, steel and sheer ambition.

And an appropriate symbol for the rise of its Qatari owners and their ever-growing influence here in Britain.

From the ruins of the financial crisis, this tiny Gulf state has snapped up a range of famous British assets, and if you were to take a look from the upper storeys of the Shard, quite a few would be in view.

Qatar is one of the few countries able to do business and talk politics with almost anyone. Its advocates say it is in an ideal position to help reshape the Middle East (pictured: Doha city skyline)

To the east, Qatar owns swathes of the Canary Wharf financial district through its majority holding in Songbird Estates plc.

When Barclays was in trouble at the height of the banking turmoil, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) emerged as a white-knight investor, and became the biggest shareholder.

Over at Stratford stand the buildings of the Olympic Village – once the Games are finished this summer, QIA will take ownership.

Due west lie Harrods and, close by, No 1 Hyde Park, the world’s most expensive block of flats, also Qatari-owned.

A sovereign wealth fund with tens of billions of pounds in assets and a global reach, QIA has already invested £10 billion in Britain, with more planned. Its influence is everywhere

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Edited March 11, 201214 yr by Boater

I know a place with a great £5 lunchtime all you can eat Indian buffet within 5 mins walk of the Shard. PM for details...

really, send me the details !

a lot of my biz now in the UK is coming from Qatar clients , all buying investment property in the UK , so i cant complain

It's amazing how different the UK and Thailand vary on their views with regard to welcoming foreign investment. Especially on propertry and land. Personally, I think the UK have it right but I wish someone could explain why the powers that be in Thailand are so against foreigners owning in Thailand.

There are still several Arab states where you can't buy property or land and I might be wrong but I think Qatar started allowing it several years. Or was it property only and not land? Can't remember now. Either way, my point is that even the Arab states are starting to open up and realise the advantages that can be gained.