superyacht dubai

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Iconic yachts: Inside the build of 162m superyacht Dubai

Related articles, superyacht directory.

The creation of the iconic yacht Dubai was far from straightforward, with the build changing hands three times. Dubai was the largest yacht in the world by volume at the time of her build, with a gross tonnage of 12,488GT. She was originally intended for one royal family but went on to be used by another royal entirely. Commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei’s brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, Dubai started her life in Germany with naval architecture developed by Blohm+Voss (now part of Lürssen Yachts ), while design came from the UK’s Winch Design . In 1998, the project rolled to a standstill, with work completed on only the steel hull and part of the aluminium superstructure. The project was lying on a covered floating dock at the Blohm+Voss yard, and liquidators went out into the market to find potential buyers.

• Iconic yachts: The story of Steve Jobs's Feadship superyacht Venus

Her name gives the next part of the story away: the partially built yacht was sold to the Dubai government. “Once Jefri fell out with his brothers, his assets were seized, including the yacht which was at early stage of construction,” explains Kostis Antonopoulos, the former managing director of Platinum Yachts, which eventually oversaw the build of Dubai . “In fact, at that time I was working at SETE of Latsis group and we offered for the project, but Dubai offered more and they got it.”

Initially, the Dubai government assigned the build project to Karam Sadikoglou in Turkey. The dock, partially built yacht and containers holding equipment such as main engines and generators were sent to Sadikoglou’s facility in Turkey. However, progress was slow, and the Dubai government demanded the project be transferred to the UAE. With progress still slow and costs skyrocketing, Sadikoglou left the project. Antonopoulos was brought in to finish the build under the banner of Platinum Yachts , a subsidiary of Dubai World. The project had almost 800 people working on it, not including the hundreds of subcontractors. Antonopoulos’s job wouldn’t be an easy one – he had to reorganise the structure of the build team, restore confidence in the project and gain the confidence of the Palace. Sultan bin Sulayem, the chairman of Dubai World, served as the in-between for the owner and yard.

• Iconic yachts: Inside the story of Lürssen's 114.5m superyacht Pelorus

“The design of Dubai was quite ahead of its time, and although she had an enormous size the design did not flirt at all with the shapes of cruise ships,” says Antonopoulos. “And except for the hull, the rest was built and outfitted by people who had no idea what a yacht looked like.” Antonopoulos flew employees to the Monaco Yacht Show so they could see the details that make a superyacht. “It was great experience for them and a quantum leap to their knowledge and understanding,” he says.

• Iconic yachts: Inside Lürssen's 90.1m eco explorer yacht Ice

The interior design was completed in-house by Platinum, and most of the build-out was by local contractors in Dubai. “The brief was simple: the owner wanted a floating Burj Al Arab – and he got it,” says Antonopoulos of the colourful interior which he describes as an “attack” on the senses. There are many custom details, such as the handmade tiles in the swimming pool, which are lit up by embedded optical fibres. Her massive volume afforded space for 48 guests and 88 crew. Dubai also had a cinema , disco, helideck , and a garage holding a submarine and a variety of toys.

• Iconic yachts: Inside the design journey of the 138 metre Lürssen superyacht Rising Sun

As Dubai was built for a royal, security was a priority. “I asked a computer security firm to hack the yacht’s network , and while we thought that we had a very secure ship, the guys hacked it in 30 minutes! Of course, we redesigned the security,” says Antonopoulos. Another day, the owner came on board and discovered the lower decks did not have a clear GSM signal, so ceilings had to be ripped apart to add repeaters. Challenges to make the yacht SOLAS compliant were resolved by sending materials for lab tests to obtain class approvals.

Antonopoulos, who currently serves as managing director of Samos Steamship Co, looks back fondly at his time working on the build of the iconic yacht Dubai . “I enjoyed building a really good team,” he says. “When I arrived, the people in the project were working in isolation and there were competing teams… I managed to bring them together and make them understand that by cooperation and teamwork we can not only achieve successful completion of the yacht but we can also enjoy our time together!”

• Iconic yachts: Inside the story of Lürssen's legendary 98m Carinthia VII

It’s been quite a while since the royally iconic yacht Dubai was finally launched in 2006, but Antonopoulos says she stands the test of time. “I think her design is timeless and she can even be considered a classic now.” Dubai sails under the UAE flag and is known to be an active yacht, recently spotted cruising in the waters off her namesake city.

More about this yacht

More stories, most recent, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Welcome to a sun-soaked metropolis like no other

Plan your dream wedding in an unforgettable destination

Discover the city's insiders, influencers and innovators

Every district in Dubai tells its own unique story

Admire the city's traditional arts, crafts and cultural gems

Get more out of your holiday with these guides

Escape to the hills and explore nature

Answer the call of the wild and experience desert thrills

Uncover the city’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene

Embark on thrilling new adventures for all ages

Taste award-winning world flavours and local cuisine

Visit the latest hotspots, openings and attractions

Find new surprises at modern malls and traditional souks

Marvel at record-breaking venues and iconic landmarks

Unwind at Dubai's luxury spas and wellbeing havens

What do you travel for? Find inspiration with our itineraries

Book a table at these fresh hotspots

Taste a deliciously different side of Dubai

Discover our homegrown culinary heroes

See all the restaurants unveiled in the Dubai selection

Weekends in Dubai are for feasting

Explore Dubai's plant-based concepts that impress

Reserve a table at top restaurants for incredible prices

Browse through our listing of restaurants

Don't miss a beat – live concerts, festivals, activities and more

Get in the spirit of the Holy Month with sumptuous iftars and family activities

Gear up for 10 days of non-stop laughter

Keep your controllers ready for the ultimate gaming festival

Plan ahead for a hassle-free travel experience

From etiquette to currency, we answer all your questions

Use our tool to book flight tickets to Dubai and plan your trip to the city

Dubai has an incredible range of stay options for every budget

From take-off to touchdown, navigating Dubai is a breeze

Your complete guide to enjoying one of the world's safest cities to the fullest

Find out all about Dubai’s climate throughout the year with our weather guide

All you need to know about the dirham, from exchange rates to helpful tips

Helpful information for travellers with special needs

Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top spots

Get our apps for the latest attractions, events & itineraries

Save big with great offers on Dubai's top sights and activities

Indulge in retail therapy for less with big discounts

Enjoy a trip to Dubai with incredible accommodation offers

Sign up for kid-friendly activities or attend a live show with the entire family

Get tickets to the best concerts featuring A-list artists at world-class venues

Join Dubai's community sporting activities and race to the finish line

Gear up for an outdoor musical fiesta with international artists

See the maestro perform his hits live at the Coca-Cola Arena

Make way for the region's largest affordable retail art fair

Related Sites

Add items to your Top Picks by clicking the heart icon as you navigate through the website

This is now in your Top Picks!

Login or create an account to save your favourites and receive personalised recommendations.

Login to like

Sign in or register to like this content

• Visit Dubai
• Places to visit

Lotus Mega Yacht

Experiences

Berth L (T Head), Dubai Marina Below Pier 7, Outside Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai

Do you like it? Share it

Explore more attractions.

The Stunning Ritz Carlton EVRIMA Yacht

Gliding Across Tokyo’s Sumida River: The Mesmerizing Zipper Boat

CROCUS Yacht: An 48 Meter Beauty by Admiral

PHI Yacht – Royal Huisman’s $45 Million Superyacht

• Zuretti Interior Design
• Zuretti Interior
• Zuccon International Project
• Ziyad al Manaseer
• Zaniz Interiors. Kutayba Alghanim
• Yuriy Kosiuk
• Yuri Milner
• Yersin Yacht

• Superyachts

DUBAI Yacht – World’s Third Biggest $500M Superyacht

The DUBAI yacht is one of the biggest yachts in the world .

The 162-meter vessel was built by Blohm + Voss in Germany and delivered to her owner the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, in 2006.

DUBAI yacht interior

Since DUBAI took nearly ten years to complete her interior was replanned several times.

Andrew Winch is thought to have influenced the design and the renowned studio Platinum Yachts also worked on DUBAI.

The interior of this gigantic vessel is just as you might expect it.

Luxurious furniture, opulent design, and extravagant features complement the beautiful exterior of DUBAI.

The interior is decorated in bright colors with a great variety of entertainment spaces and salons.

The glass staircase is a central focal point within the yacht and is reminiscent of a cruise ship.

DUBAI can welcome 48 guests in 24 luxurious cabins as well as a sizable crew of 88 members.

There is a nightclub, a spa, a beauty salon, a cinema, and a gym on board DUBAI.

Many rooms are decorated with mosaics or tapestries and only the finest and most expensive fabrics.

Specifications

DUBAI has a length of 162 meters (531.6 ft) making her the fourth largest yacht in the world.

She has a 22-meter (72.2 ft) beam, a 5-meter (16.5 ft) draft, and a total weight of 12,488 tons.

Her four diesel MTU engines allow her to reach top speeds of 25 knots with an average cruising speed of 20 knots.

Her 1,250,000 liter fuel tanks bring her total reach to an impressive 8,500 nautical miles. 

The exterior of the DUBAI yacht was developed by the well-known English yacht designer Andrew Winch.

His international design studio took special care with this project, and it is one of their largest to date.

The DUBAI yacht is an all-white yacht with a massive aluminum superstructure and steel hull.

She has a helipad and a beautiful mosaic swimming pool located aft.

Of course, there is plenty of space reserved for sunbathing on one of the vessel’s seven decks.

Two 10-meter tenders find space on board DUBAI as well as a large selection of water toys.

DUBAI yacht price

The sheikh purchased DUBAI for a price of US $500 million in 2006, which makes her one of the more expensive superyachts in her size category.

She generates an estimated US $35 to 50 million in annual running costs.

Do you have anything to add to this listing?

• Platinum Yachts
• Ruler of Dubai

Love Yachts? Join us.

Related posts.

SAMURAI Yacht – The Award Nominee $40M Superyacht

KAOS Yacht – Extravagant $300M Superyacht

SOUNDWAVE Yacht (ex: 11-11)- Incomparable $50 M Superyacht

MADAME GU Yacht – Exclusive $150 Million Superyacht

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

How Dubai established itself as a global superyacht hub

World-class infrastructure, luxury marinas and diverse sea and land-based activities have bolstered the emirate's standing as a centre for nautical tourism.

The new Dubai Harbour Marina. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Concentrated efforts to transform Dubai into a preferred destination for yacht owners, ship charters and cruise passengers are paying off, with the emirate gearing up for a bumper season.

The emirate’s world-class infrastructure, picturesque coastline, simplified access procedures, open anchorage areas, luxury marinas and diverse sea and land-based experiences have all combined to establish Dubai as a global hub for nautical tourism. The pandemic has also played a part in fuelling the industry, as residents and tourists seek out more private and closed-group activities.

“We are seeing a rapid rise in yachting and cruising, two key offerings that support our tourism growth strategy in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” says Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

“Dubai’s range of yacht tourism facilities that meet the highest international standards, combined with its diverse destination proposition and commitment to prioritising the health and safety of people, has enabled Dubai to build a thriving global yachting community and offer leisure and adventure activities featuring the most modern watercraft.”

Central to this growth has been the development of appropriate infrastructure. Following the launch of Dubai Harbour in 2020 and the expansion of several marinas across the emirate in the past 18 months, Dubai is now home to 15 marinas with more than 3,000 berths. These facilities can accommodate a range of pleasure craft and luxury yachts, including superyachts and gigayachts.

Dubai Harbour Marinas – the region’s largest – can accommodate 700 berths and also offer the city’s first marina dedicated to superyachts, which can house boats up to 160 metres in length. The world’s first Bulgari Yacht Club offers a 50-berth harbour where superyachts can anchor in the bay free of charge.

According to the Oxford Business Group, more than 200 superyachts (those measuring between 37 metres and 60 metres) were registered across the Middle East as of 2019, with Dubai being the base for many of these vessels. Dubai’s diverse attractions, from its fine-dining restaurants and luxury shopping outlets to its beach facilities and family-oriented experiences, are acting as an added draw for superyacht owners.

"At P&O Marinas, through our collection of sought-after yachting and coastal destinations, our sole purpose is to develop and promote Dubai as a comprehensive maritime hub and a global destination for marine tourism,” says Hamza Mustafa, chief operating officer, P&O Marinas.

“Our assemblage of marinas is one of the most comprehensive in the Middle East, with a total capacity of 1,200 wet berths, 600 dry berths, and an ability to accommodate 60 superyachts ranging between 25 metres and 160 metres. In addition to this, we are continually working to ensure that the emirate remains the epicentre for yacht and superyacht owners."

Also appealing to superyacht owners are the seamless services offered by authorities in Dubai. Under the directives of Sheikh Mansoor Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, a cross-governmental task force was established to ensure that all foreign-flagged yachts, whether shipped or sailing to Dubai, have a smooth experience on arrival and benefit from full access to advanced marina-based facilities.

“Dubai’s leadership is committed to providing the world-class infrastructure, facilities and support necessary for maritime tourism to flourish in the emirate and for tourists to have a smooth, hassle-free and enriching experience,” says Sheikh Mansoor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Yacht Brothers Dubai (@theyachtbrothers)

Combined, these various attributes are creating plenty of opportunities in this niche segment of the industry. The Yacht Brothers, for example, was established during the pandemic, and operates a wide range of vessels, from 17 metres to 50 metres.

“Not many businesses were formed during the pandemic, but we offered the people of Dubai an accessible, safe and luxurious domestic tourism option over the last 18 months,” says Isa Hijris, chief executive and co-founder of The Yacht Brothers.

“All our yachts are deep cleaned and sanitised between each trip to provide a secure environment for all our guests. As the world continues to open up, we are delighted to be able to bring a slice of the waterborne high life to customers from around the world via our hourly rental rates and an easy-to-navigate platform.”