Qatar royal family’s long battle over diamond ends. What is Idol’s Eye?

The Idol’s Eye, a precious 17th Century gemstone, became the center of a dispute between art collector Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, a cousin of Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the family of former minister Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani. The gemstone, known as the ‘Idol’s Eye’, caused a conflict between art collector Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, a cousin of Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the family members of former culture minister Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani. The legal dispute over the precious gem Shortly before his demise in 2014, Sheikh Saud lent the Idol’s Eye diamond to Qipco, a Qatari private investment firm led by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. Qipco’s legal representative, Robert Stewart KC, said in court, “Sheikh Hamad bin Saoud’s clear priority at the time was to enforce a sale as soon as possible.” He further argued, “Qipco’s position is that it is entitled to order that Elanus sell it.” On the other hand, Elanus’ lawyer, Sa’ad Hossain KC, defended the family’s stance, saying, “Although the 6 February letter said that the family wished to sell the Idol’s Eye, they did not.” “Indeed, they had not even discussed or considered it.