Umar Farooq Zahoor is one of those names that often makes headlines in both Pakistan and abroad. Born in Norway but deeply connected to Pakistan, he has lived a life full of business success, political connections, and controversies. His story is not just about wealth and power, but also about the struggles of identity, law, and reputation.
As of February 2026, Umar Zahoor is 50 years old. He is known as a businessman, investor, and philanthropist in Pakistan and the Middle East. At the same time, he has been declared a fugitive in Norway, facing allegations of fraud and embezzlement. This dual image makes him a unique figure—celebrated in one part of the world and questioned in another.
Umar Farooq Zahoor Family, Age, GF, Wife, Children, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Umar Farooq Zahoor |
| Date of Birth | 26 October 1975 |
| Age (as of Feb 2026) | 50 years |
| Birthplace | Oslo, Norway |
| Nationality | Norwegian–Pakistani |
| Ethnicity/Roots | Family origin from Sialkot, Pakistan |
| Education | MBA in Finance, University of Oslo |
| Father | Farooq Zahoor (Businessman) |
| Brother | Usman Farooq Zahoor |
| Marital Status | Married to actress Sofia Mirza (2006–2009) |
| Children | Twin daughters – Zainab Umar and Zuneirah Umar |
| Known Relationships | Linked with actress Veena Malik (2013) |
| Profession | Businessman, Investor, Philanthropist |
| Business Ventures | Travel company (Norway), Ameri Group, investments in oil, gas, energy, real estate |
| Major Projects | Ghana $510 million power deal (2015) |
| Awards | Hilal‑e‑Imtiaz (2024, 2025, 2025 again during India–Pakistan conflict), Medal from President of Equatorial Guinea (2023) |
| Diplomatic Role | Ambassador‑at‑large for Liberia |
| Philanthropy | Work with Intergovernmental Institution for Spirulina Against Malnutrition |
| Controversies | Fraud and embezzlement cases in Norway, fake bank scandal (2003), arrest in Pakistan (2004), Toshakhana case (2022), Interpol red notices |
| Public Image | Celebrated investor in Pakistan and Dubai; fugitive status in Norway |
| Recent Appearance | Islamabad Talks (Feb 2026) with U.S. Vice President JD Vance |
| Wikipedia | @Umar_Farooq_Zahoor |
Early Life and Background
Umar Farooq was born on 26 October 1975 in Oslo, Norway. His family originally came from Sialkot, Pakistan, which gave him strong cultural roots in South Asia even while growing up in Europe. His father, Farooq Zahoor, was a businessman, and this background influenced Umar’s early interest in trade and finance.
He completed his education in Oslo and later earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Oslo. This academic foundation helped him understand global markets and gave him the confidence to start his own ventures. Even as a teenager, he showed signs of ambition and business skills that would later define his career.
Family and Personal Relationships
Family has played an important role in Umar Zahoor’s life. His father, Farooq Zahoor, was a respected businessman, and his brother, Usman Farooq Zahoor, has also been mentioned in connection with his ventures.
In 2006, Umar married Pakistani actress Sofia Mirza, but the marriage ended in 2009. The couple has twin daughters, Zainab Umar and Zuneirah Umar, who remain an important part of his life. Later, in 2013, Umar was linked with another Pakistani actress, Veena Malik, which again brought him into the spotlight. These relationships show how his personal life has often been connected with the entertainment industry, adding more public attention to his name.
Career Beginnings
Umar Farooq Zahoor started his first business at the young age of 18. He opened a travel company in Norway, which gave him his first taste of entrepreneurship. The company grew quickly, and he expanded his operations to countries like Switzerland, Mexico, Dubai, and Egypt.
This early success gave him the confidence to move into larger ventures. He began investing in energy, infrastructure, and real estate, which later became the foundation of his career. His ability to spot opportunities in different markets helped him build a reputation as a global businessman.
Rise in Business and Investments
Over the years, Umar Zahoor became associated with the Ameri Group, a company known for its work in energy and infrastructure. He played a key role in several major deals, including Ghana’s $510 million power project in 2015, which brought him international recognition.
His investments spread across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In Dubai, he became known as a tycoon with strong connections to royal families and influential leaders. His business empire included oil, gas, energy, and real estate projects, making him one of the most talked-about investors in the region.
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Controversies and Legal Troubles
His name has often appeared in police records and court cases. In 2000, he was accused of embezzling airline tickets worth 15 million Norwegian kroner. Later, in 2003, his name was linked to a fake bank scandal in Switzerland. These cases made him a wanted man in Norway, and Interpol issued red notices against him.
In 2004, he was arrested in Pakistan after a complaint was filed by politician Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh. Another major controversy came in 2009 when his ex‑wife Sofia Mirza accused him of kidnapping their twin daughters using fake passports. These cases created a shadow over his business success. Even today, he is celebrated in Pakistan but remains a fugitive in Norway.
High‑Profile Allegations and Political Connections
In 2022, Umar Zahoor’s name appeared in the famous Toshakhana case. He claimed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had sold a luxury Graff wristwatch, gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, through him. This statement created a storm in Pakistani politics and added more controversy to his image.
His connections with politicians and businessmen have always been strong. In Pakistan, he is seen as an investor who brings foreign money into the country. In Europe, however, he is often described as a crime boss. This dual image shows how different societies view him in completely opposite ways.
Awards and Recognition
Despite the controversies, Umar Farooq Zahoor has received several awards. In 2024, 2025, and again during the India–Pakistan conflict in 2025, he was honoured with the Hilal‑e‑Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards.
In 2023, he also received a medal from the President of Equatorial Guinea for his contributions in energy projects. These recognitions show that governments and leaders value his business skills, even though his legal troubles remain unresolved.
International Diplomacy and Philanthropy
Umar Farooq has also worked in diplomacy. He was appointed as “Ambassador‑at‑large” for Liberia, which gave him a role in international relations. He has been involved with the Intergovernmental Institution for Spirulina Against Malnutrition, an organisation that fights hunger and malnutrition.
In February 2026, he appeared at the Islamabad Talks alongside U.S. Vice President JD Vance, showing his continued influence in global discussions. His efforts in philanthropy and diplomacy add another layer to his personality, making him more than just a businessman.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Umar Zahoor belongs to one of Norway’s largest mafia families.
- Despite being a fugitive, he has received multiple state honours in Pakistan.
- He has strong ties with Middle Eastern royal families.
- He has invested in energy, oil, gas, and real estate projects across several countries.
- He has been linked with Pakistani actresses Sofia Mirza and Veena Malik.
- He continues to play a role in international diplomacy and philanthropy.
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