Who is Wissam Al Mana? Business, Family Life, and Everything About Janet Jackson’s Ex-Husband
Wissam Al Mana is one of the most successful businessmen in the Middle East. He is the executive director of the Al Mana Group, a large family business based in Qatar. Many people around the world first heard his name when he married famous pop singer Janet Jackson in 2012. Even after their separation in 2017, Wissam remains a well-known and respected figure in the world of business, fashion, and philanthropy.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wissam Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana |
| Known As | Wissam Al Mana / Sam |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1975 |
| Place of Birth | Doha, Qatar |
| Nationality | Qatari |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | George Washington University (BA); London School of Economics (MBA) |
| Occupation | Businessman, Executive Director of Al Mana Group |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 billion (USD) |
| Ex-Wife | Janet Jackson (married 2012, separated 2017) |
| Son | Eissa Al Mana (born January 3, 2017) |
| Brothers | Hisham Al Mana, Kamal Al Mana |
| Based In | Doha, Qatar; London, UK; Dubai, UAE |
| Famous For | Running Al Mana Group; marriage to Janet Jackson |
Early Life and Education
Wissam Al Mana was born on January 1, 1975, in Doha, Qatar. When he was just two years old, his family moved to London, England. He grew up in London and developed a strong love for fashion and style from a young age. At only 14 years old, he applied to almost every fashion store on King’s Road in London and got a weekend job at one of them.
After finishing high school in London, Wissam moved to the United States to study. He earned his bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. He then returned to the UK and completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the London School of Economics. This strong education helped him become a smart and capable business leader.
Wissam Al Mana’s Business Career
After finishing his studies, Wissam joined his family business, the Al Mana Group. His father, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, started this company in 1951. Today, Wissam runs the group alongside his two brothers, Hisham and Kamal. The Al Mana Group now includes more than 55 companies operating in eight countries, with over 3,500 employees.
The group covers many different industries. It manages luxury fashion brands like Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce and Gabbana. It also runs food and drink franchises like McDonald’s, Haagen-Dazs, and San Pellegrino in Qatar. The group operates car brands including Nissan, Renault, and Infiniti exclusively in Qatar. In 2025, Forbes Middle East named the Al Mana Group as one of the Top 100 Arab Family Businesses.
Wissam Al Mana’s Net Worth
Wissam Al Mana has an estimated net worth of around $1 billion USD. This makes him one of the richest retail investors in the Middle East. His wealth comes mainly from his leadership role in the Al Mana Group, which has an annual turnover estimated to exceed $2 billion.
He owns properties in several major cities including Doha, London, Dubai, and New York. He lives a quiet and private lifestyle and rarely appears on social media. Despite his great wealth, Wissam is known for being modest, focused, and hardworking.
Wissam Al Mana and Janet Jackson
Wissam Al Mana met Janet Jackson at a hotel opening in Dubai in 2010. The two started dating, and by 2012, they got married in a quiet, private ceremony. The couple kept their relationship very private for a long time. Janet did not confirm the marriage publicly until a 2013 interview.
On January 3, 2017, the couple welcomed their son, Eissa Al Mana. However, just a few months after Eissa was born, Janet Jackson announced their separation in May 2017 through a YouTube video. Reports at the time mentioned cultural and religious differences as key reasons for the split. Today, both parents co-parent their son Eissa together in London.
The Divorce: Key Details
The divorce between Wissam Al Mana and Janet Jackson attracted a lot of media attention. A prenuptial agreement was in place before the marriage. According to reports, the agreement stated that if the marriage lasted more than five years, Janet would receive $100 million. Because the couple also had a child, that amount was reported to double to $200 million.
The couple separated after about five years of marriage, so the financial settlement became a major topic. Janet’s brother Randy Jackson also spoke about the marriage, claiming there was verbal abuse and that Janet felt restricted at home. Wissam did not publicly respond to these claims in detail. The custody arrangement for their son Eissa remains a private matter.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Wissam Al Mana is not just a businessman. He also cares deeply about helping others. He supports several charities focused on education, women’s rights, and children’s welfare. One of the charities he supports is the Hoping Foundation, which helps Palestinian girls access education. He also supports Women’s Voices Now, an organization that uses film to promote women’s rights globally.
Other charities he donates to include Education Above All, which helps children around the world go to school, and Little Village, which supports poor families with young children in London. On his personal website, Wissam shared a message to his son Eissa about the importance of giving and helping others. His charity work shows that he uses his wealth to make the world a better place.
Art, Fashion, and Lifestyle
Wissam Al Mana has a genuine passion for art and fashion. He co-founded Lazinc, a modern art gallery based in London. The gallery has hosted many well-known artists and exhibitions. This shows his creative side beyond the business world.
He lives a reserved and disciplined lifestyle. He does not drink alcohol and is rarely seen in public or on social media. Those who know him describe him as calm, focused, and very private. His lifestyle reflects his deep faith in Islam and his strong family values.
His Son: Eissa Al Mana
Eissa Al Mana was born on January 3, 2017, in London. He is the only child of Wissam Al Mana and Janet Jackson. Eissa lives in London and both parents raise him together, even though they are no longer a couple. Janet Jackson has spoken publicly about how much she loves being a mother and how Eissa brings her great joy.
Wissam also shared a touching message on his website, writing to Eissa about unconditional love and the importance of helping others. Both parents keep Eissa’s life away from the public eye as much as possible to give him a normal and happy childhood.
Conclusion
Wissam Al Mana is more than just Janet Jackson’s ex-husband. He is a successful billionaire businessman, a dedicated father, and a generous philanthropist. He built a global business empire through hard work, smart decisions, and strong family values. His story shows that quiet determination and a clear vision can lead to extraordinary success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Wissam Al Mana?
Wissam Al Mana is a Qatari billionaire businessman and the executive director of the Al Mana Group. He is also known for being the ex-husband of pop star Janet Jackson.
2. How much is Wissam Al Mana worth?
Wissam Al Mana’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion USD, making him one of the wealthiest retail investors in the Middle East.
3. Why did Wissam Al Mana and Janet Jackson divorce?
Reports suggest that cultural and religious differences were the main reasons for their separation. The couple separated in May 2017, just months after the birth of their son Eissa.
4. Does Wissam Al Mana have children?
Yes, Wissam has one son named Eissa Al Mana, born on January 3, 2017. He co-parents Eissa with Janet Jackson in London.
5. What businesses does Wissam Al Mana own?
Through the Al Mana Group, Wissam manages more than 55 companies across eight countries. These include luxury brands like Hermes and Armani, food franchises like McDonald’s, car dealerships for Nissan and Renault, and real estate and media companies.
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