The Debut of the Dubai
By Christina Bohnstengel
In the battle of the superyachts, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s 531-foot vessel has pulled ahead as the world’s largest. The Emir of Dubai spent $350 million on the purchase, transport and completion of the superyacht, which he bought from Prince Jefri of Brunei halfway through production in 2006.
Today the “Dubai” is large enough for 115 passengers, including 88 crewmembers. Platinum Yachts completed the project, with oversight and instruction from Andrew Winch design and the naval architecture firm of Blohm & Voss. Platiunum Yachts’ Interior Design and Decoration office took the helm of the interiors, while the company’s design department completed the engineering specs for the superyacht.
The unbelievable onboard luxuries include eight decks with saloons, VIP suites, two owners’ suites, dining areas, Jacuzzis, a swimming pool, helipad, and two heli-observation rooms. The “Dubai” can speed through the ocean blue at 26 knots, or cruise at 25 knots for 8,500 nautical miles.
The debut of the “Dubai” means that Al-Maktoum is the current owner of the world’s largest superyacht, but it may be a fleeting superlative. Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich is currently constructing a 555-foot superyacht for $355 million.
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