Wissam Al Mana: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

The secret is out that singer Janet Jackson secretly married Wissam Al Mana since last year at a private ceremony, according to Entertainment Tonight. The couple have been dating for three years since they met in 2010 and the star, 46, planned to settle down with her new husband, 37, who is a Qatari billionaire. Here’s some facts on Janet Jackson’s new man.

1. They Were Secretly Married for Months

According to TMZ, Janet put the rumors to rest after announcing that she has already married Wissam Al Mana. Rumors swirled that the couple were planning a wedding this year at Wissam’s home in Qatar, planning a huge expensive wedding. The couple released a joint statement saying, “The rumors regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony.”

2. This Is Janet’s Second Secret Marriage

For Janet Jackson, this would be the singer’s second secret marriage. Her last marriage was kept out of the public eye when she married music video director René Elizondo, Jr. in 1991. Their marriage lasted until 1999 when they filed for divorce. Her first marriage was when she was 18 to singer James DeBarge in 1984, which lasted only three months.

3. They Were Reportedly Engaged in December 2012

Before hearing about their secret wedding, the couple were reportedly engaged back in December. According to Us Weekly, a source told the magazine that Wissam Al Mana gave a “huge, expensive ring” earlier last year but Janet Jackson never wears the ring. “She’s afraid it will get lost, so she keeps it locked up,” the source said.

4. Janet and Wissam Want Kids 

Us Weekly also reported that the couple does plan on settling down and having kids of their own. “She wants kids [and] if she can’t have them; she will adopt,” a source said.

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5.  Wissam Al Mana is a Middle Eastern Businessman

For such a rich business tycoon, Wissam managed to keep a low profile on his life. The Qatar native currently runs his late father’s business Al Mana Retail along with his two brothers. The company has been built as a successful luxury empire in the Middle East, representing famous brands such as Balenciaga, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, and Roberto Cavalli.

6. He Owns a Part of Some Big Fashion Retailers

Besides running a multi-million dollar empire, Wissam is also a shareholder to Saks Fifth Avenue stores in Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The businessman also plans on opening a flagship A/X Exchange in a Qatar shopping mall.

7. Wissam Al Mana’s Net Worth is $1 Billion

Janet Jackson’s new man has apparently banked in big because of his rich status. According to CelebrityNetworth, Wissam Al Mana is worth at least $1 billion. TheRichest reported that he is also one of the Middle East’s richest investors, investing in real estate, automotive distribution, engineering and construction, retail, food services and media.

8. He Grew Up in London and Started Working in Retail at 14

In November 2011, Wissam spoke with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia on his upbringing in London and gaining an interest in fashion. “I spent many years growing up in London where I developed an early love of fashion and remember applying for a job at every fashion boutique on the Kings Road.”

When he turned 14, Wissam finally got a job in retail and the rest was history. “At 14 I finally found a weekend job at a multi-brand store. I really enjoyed it and began to acquire an insight into the world of retail that would prove crucial for my career.”

9. Wissam’s Father Was His Role Model

Wissam grew up respecting his father and his ways of running a business. He told Harper’s Bazaar that his father “was a very humble and down to earth man, and was known for being very honest and trustworthy. He taught us many great values such as to treat our employees with dignity and respect.”

10.  He’s Into Art, Photography, and Design

With a love of fashion, it’s no surprise that Wissam Al Mana has a passion for the arts. He told Harper’s Bazaar that he wanted to get more involved in art’ photography, and design. Besides art, Wissam also wanted to do some philanthropic work as well. I would also like to get more involved in philanthropy and maybe take some time off everything to do just that,” he said.