Dubai: Second Largest Yacht

Formerly the Platinum Yacht of Brunei, the Dubai has made a huge splash as number two in the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World.   At a cost over USD $300 million, this mega yacht is powered by four MTU diesel engines (totaling 9,000 HP) with dual shaft propulsion allowing the Dubai to cruise at a comfortable 23 knots; at 532’ feet and weighing in at 13,470 tons, the Dubai is one of the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World. Built in 2006 by Blohm & Voss and Lurssen Yachts, both of Germany, this super yacht was intended for His Highness Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.  Due to financial difficulties, Prince Bolkiah sold this nautical wonder to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.  At the time of completion in 2006, the Dubai was the world’s largest super yacht.  Read about the yacht which bumped it into second place:  World’s Largest Yacht.

"Dubai's" Staircase

The snow-white sleek Dubai yacht has a very modern appeal with clean flowing lines similar to that of an ocean wave; one of the most striking features of the Dubai is the dramatic open glass staircase in the sky lit atrium.  Featuring seven passenger decks, the Dubai provides fifty luxurious balcony suites for 36 guests (including the Owner’s deck) plus accommodations for 88 attentive crew members.

Designed by Andrew Winch Designs of Britain, the Dubai’s interior offers an array of deep earthy Middle Eastern influenced colors of maroon, fuchsia pink, glowing saffron, rich oranges, and crimson red.  These opulent colors are showcased by gold accents, hand-cut mosaic tiles, gorgeous woodwork, and the expansive marble used throughout the ship.  While the glitz and glamour of the Dubai may not appeal to everyone, the highest quality craftsmanship and attention to detail will be appreciated by all those lucky enough to set foot onboard.

Other enjoyable features of the Dubai include several lavish swimming pools (one with a waterfall and mosaic artwork); extensive decks for sunbathing; numerous beach platforms; a tender motorboat; whirlpool Jacuzzi; sports equipment including jet skis, scuba diving gear, and fishing equipment, all stored in the spacious transom garage.  The Dubai also features several dining areas (both interior and exterior), lounges, a gymnasium, spa and a high-tech home theater system.

The Dubai is capable of carrying a 9.5 ton helicopter complete with its own landing pad and onboard refuelling station.  In the case of a pirate attack or other precarious situation, safety features onboard the Dubai include armor-plating in the master suite along with bullet-proof windows on the bridge for the Captain’s protection.  With all this potential for noise, guests can be assured of comfort with a 45 decibel maximum noise level allowance in all of the cabins.

Ranked as the second ship in the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World, the Dubai features enormous fuel tanks with a 1,050 ton capacity allowing for an 8,500 nautical mile cruising range.

Sources:
Flickr.com Photo Credit – ‘Yacht Dubai in front of the Palm’ by s_zeimke
Platinum Yachts
Platinum Yachts PDF
Andrew Winch Designs