A Closer Look at the $350 Million Superyacht Dubai

Yachts are made for the sheer enjoyment of the seas and most are made to be luxurious. There are yachts, and then there are superyachts which rule the oceans with their massive size and extravagant designs and amenities. Among the largest superyachts in the world is the $350 million Dubai. This floating luxury vessel is a privately owned yacht that is not available for charter, so the only way to gain access is through invitation. The views from the outside of this sleek and highly stylish vessel are breathtaking but there is little that compares with its lavish interior. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful yachts ever built. At the time of its delivery, it was the most expensive yacht ever built, however, there have been more superyachts commissioned which have taken the top position, as it seems that these super-rich billionaires are in a bit of a competition to own the most opulent superyachts on the seas. In case you’re wondering how this yacht came to be valued at such a high price, we take a look at its build, and the out of this world amenities that take it over the top in sophistication, style and creature comforts.

The creation of a magnificent superyacht

The Dubai was built by the Platinum Yachts shipbuilders. It was the special order of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. The order was placed in 1996 and it would be a decade before she would launch. The initial project was commissioned from Blohm and Voss along with the Lurssen shipyards. Both shipbuilders were known for creating some of the most extravagant yachts in the world and they were collaborating on this very special megayacht, until 2001, when the project came to a halt. Platinum Yachts assumed responsibility for the project under Sheik Mohammad Rashid al-Maktoum. Platinum Yachts would complete the project with the launch in 2006.

Specifications

The Dubai featured measures 531.50 feet in length. The exterior of the ship was created by Winch Design with the interior design the collaborative efforts of Winch Design and Nakheel Interiors with advisement by Sheik Mohammad Rashid al-Maktoum. The beam measures 72.18 feet with a draft of 16.40 feet. The gross tonnage is 13,470 tons. Her cruising speed is 20 knots and the top speed is 26 knots. A modern stabilization system ensures that the rolling motion effect is reduced when seas are choppy or rough when the vessel is underway, to provide passengers with the smoothest and most comfortable yachting experience and it is also equipped with anchor stabilizers to maintain a stationary comfort when waters are rough. The yacht is powered with four MTU 8,443 diesel engines. The fuel tanks hold 1,250,000 liters of fuel giving the ship range of 9,789 nautical miles. The water takes hold 400 liters of potable water. There is room for up to 115 people aboard with 1 master suite, 5 VIP suites, 16 double cabins and 22 cabins to which can accommodate a crew of 88 workers for the maintenance and daily operation of the vessel.

Interior and accommodations

The interior of the Dubai is among the most extravagant on the seas. It is laid out with several designated areas for sunbathing as well as elaborately built swimming pools crafted with handmade tiling, multiple jacuzzis and mosaic designs throughout the interior. There is a circular staircase made with glass steps, illuminated with lighting that changes colors. There are several social areas as well as formal dining areas, an onboard aquarium, a lounge, and a split level area that shows how spacious the interior is with tall ceilings reminiscent of a lavish museum. There is also a helipad on board for guests to come and go from the ship and enjoy excursions to the shore while the ship is at sea.

The name says it all

Even the name Dubai is associated with incredible wealth and opulence. This ship is among the most lavish and decadent within its large interior. Designer Andrew Winch is credited with the interior design which encompasses a full seven decks in this massive sized yacht. One of the swimming pools onboard the ship feeds a lovely waterfall, creating a natural feeling environment amidst the extravagance that rivals the most exotic high-end luxury hotels in the world. The Dubai is much like a floating palace and it is fully staffed with a complete crew to attend to the needs and preferences of the guests, which are generally limited to around 36 at a time.

Final thoughts

We’ve viewed just a few photos of the interior of the Dubai, and the magnificence of the bold colors and the extravagant designs are almost dizzying. The total investment made by the owner of this floating paradise was $350 million, although we’ve heard rumors that after many of the extras which have been added for special effects, the total spent with the construction of the ship, and the furnishings, artwork and other amenities have brought the total even higher. It doesn’t take much to understand why this ship was so very expensive to build. It’s really a work of art as much as it is a motor yacht. From what we can tell, she certainly lives up to the name Dubai.