Say hello to Azzam, the world’s largest superyacht, owned by the UAE royal family. Priced at nearly $1 billion and 180 meters (590 feet) in length, this sea giant is more than a boat; it’s a status symbol of wealth, innovation, and exclusivity.
Built in 2013 by the famous German yacht manufacturer Lürssen Yachts, Azzam was originally commissioned by the late President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With his passing in 2022, the yacht is now assumed to be under the ownership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current Emir and President. It cost $600 million to construct, but its value has grown over the years to approach the $1 billion mark, considering its unique status and features.
Azzam isn’t just big; it’s also fast and luxurious. Its propulsion system, a pairing of two diesel engines and two gas turbines delivering 35,048 kW (47,000 horsepower), pushes it to speeds in excess of 32 knots (37 mph). That’s fast for a yacht of its size. The exterior, designed by Nauta Yachts, pairs elegance and strength, and the interior, designed by French designer Christophe Leoni, evokes the luxury of the Empire era with a modern twist.
Step inside, and you are in a world of luxury. The main salon is 29 meters (95 feet) long, crowned by a custom chandelier that doesn’t wobble even at top speed. There is a spa, a gym, a beauty salon, and an elevator between the decks for guests to use. Azzam can accommodate 36 guests in 18 suites and a crew of 60 to 80 and spares no indulgence. Rumors persist of a bullet-proof master suite and missile defense system, although that kind of information is not publicly disclosed.
To grasp the scale of this super-yacht, here’s a look at its standout features:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 180 meters (590 feet) |
| Top Speed | Over 32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph) |
| Accommodation | 36 guests, 60-80 crew |
| Builder | Lürssen Yachts, Germany |
| Launched | 5 April 2013 |
| Propulsion | 2 Diesel + 2 Gas Turbines, 35,048 kW (47,000 hp) |
| Current Value | Estimated at $760 million (nearing $1 billion) |
For all its grandeur, Azzam remains a mystery to most. It’s not available for charter, likely a strategic choice to sidestep European taxes, and spends much of its time at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. Rare sightings, like its stop in Cádiz, Spain, in 2020, spark excitement among yacht enthusiasts. The interior? That’s a secret too, with scant photos released, underscoring the royal family’s desire for privacy.
Yet, its reputation precedes it. Experts at Boat International call it a “floating palace,” a title earned through its unmatched design and engineering. The exterior designer, Mario Pedol, aimed to make Azzam appear deceptively sleek, masking its massive size with graceful lines.
Originally priced at $600 million, Azzam’s value has increased to an estimated $760 million, reaching $1 billion with prestige and exclusivity. Nor is it inexpensive to keep it afloat; annual costs run in the neighborhood of $50 million in crew, fuel, and upkeep. For the UAE royals, this yacht is worth it as a symbol of their worldwide reach and sense of the spectacular.
Azzam claimed the title of the world’s longest private motor yacht, eclipsing Eclipse by 57 feet. While it lags behind Dilbar in gross tonnage, its length, speed, and luxury make it stand out. It’s not just a boat; it’s a standard, taking super-yacht design to the extreme.
