The grandeur of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov’s Dilbar is such that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim it’s in a league of its own. Yet, nearly 26 years ago, the business magnate commissioned a yacht named Dilbar, which eventually became known as Al Raya. Usmanov then moved on to an even more formidable megayacht, the 512-foot, $800 million Dilbar built by Lürssen. However, between 2008 and 2018, this luxurious vessel changed hands twice; it was renamed Ona in 2016 and Al Raya in 2018 by a distinguished Middle Eastern purchaser.
The King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, acquired the pleasure craft for $250 million. Designed by Tim Heywood and constructed by the esteemed Lürssen shipyard, the 360-footer boasts a crew of 41 and can accommodate up to 16 guests.
Al Raya, a timeless vessel, features nearly every conceivable luxury amenity, including a private cinema, a helipad, and a conference room for the staff and employees of the royal owner. The owner’s suite is directly connected to this space, offering an uninterrupted 180-degree view over a private foredeck, an aft terrace, and a full-beam office. Sixteen guests can enjoy the Lürssen masterpiece in 8 spacious suites.
The interiors, completed by Alberto Pinto, provide accommodation for 16 guests and 47 crew members, along with exceptional facilities such as a pool, cinema, sauna, steam room, massage room, and hospital. Even the crew’s comfort is given utmost importance with 21 crew cabins, 4 staff cabins, a separate crew gym, and a sophisticated captain’s cabin. Powered by two potent MTU diesel-electric engines, Al Raya achieves a notable top speed of 21 knots.
While it’s difficult to compare it directly to the current Dilbar, which is a colossal sea dominator valued at an incredible $800 million and is the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage at 15,917 tons, Al Raya is an impressive yacht valued at $250 million and favored by royalty, but it is not Dilbar.
The King of Bahrain owns Al Raya Yacht-
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, owner of the Al Raya Yacht, has a net worth of an astonishing $5 billion, according to Superyachtfan. The ruler of Bahrain is also a sports enthusiast, with interests ranging from falconry, golf, and fishing to tennis and football. Horses are another of King Hamad’s passions, leading him to establish the Amiri stables in June 1977. In addition to Al Raya, the royal also owns another yacht, Alwaeli, as well as two private Boeing 747 jets.
