World's Biggest Art Collector Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani Dies at Age 48

ARTNET 
By David Emory

QATAR---Once widely regarded as the world's richest and most powerful art collector, Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani of Qatar died suddenly at his home in London on November 9, age 48. A cousin of the Qatar's current Emir, Sheikh Al-Thani served as the country's president of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, from 1997 to 2005. He also spent well over $1 billion on art purchases during that period, more than any other individual, according to many art-market observers. His collection makes up the bulk of holdings in five existing and planned museums: the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Library, the Natural History Museum, a Photography Museum, and a museum for traditional textiles and clothing. [link]