Adnan Khashoggi, the billionaire Saudi businessman was known for his lavish business deals and extravagant lifestyle. In the 1980s, he enjoyed a net worth of nearly $4 billion, but his fortunes began to decline in the mid-1980s, just as American tycoon Donald Trump’s star was on the rise. The real estate mogul, born into wealth, was building and expanding his brand during this period. What better way to showcase his growing status than by acquiring a luxury vessel touted as one of the finest in the world? The 282-foot Nabila superyacht, once owned by the Saudi billionaire, was purchased by Donald Trump in 1987. It was considered one of the most expensive and extravagant luxury yachts ever seen. This first-of-its-kind ship featured world-class amenities, a helipad, a master suite with a secret compartment.
Trump justified this extravagant purchase of an unheard-of $30 million by citing ‘a certain level of quality.’ Buying his first-ever yacht in a style so nonchalant, without seeing or setting foot on it, was as straightforward as that statement, especially for a man who didn’t care much for boats or being on them. What prompted this purchase of a second-hand superyacht for a staggering $30 million in 1987 when the highest price paid for a used yacht was $16 million? Let’s take a look at Nabila and its journey to becoming the iconic Trump Princess.
An American tycoon’s ultimate toy-
Dubbed ‘The ultimate toy’ by Trump himself, the Nabila was taken by the Sultan of Brunei as collateral in 1987 after he loaned $50 million to Khashoggi. The royal, worth $25 billion, had no interest in the yacht and listed it for $50 million, with a brief to sell the magnificent vessel quickly. After purchasing one of the world’s swankiest hotels, The Plaza, for an eye-watering $390 million, Mar-a-Lago for $7 million, and making many other lavish acquisitions that bolstered the Trump Empire, Trump set his sights on the most opulent yacht in the world, the Nabila.
Trump had been eyeing the pleasure craft ever since he learned of Khashoggi’s financial troubles but waited for it to be listed. The businessman in him came alive with an aggressive offer of $15 million in cash, but the deal was countered and eventually closed for $30 million. Interestingly, Donald Trump had never set foot on the superyacht, which had entertained celebrities like Brooke Shields, David Niven, and Stewart Copeland. After a few calls with his legal team in Switzerland, Trump found himself at the end of a once-in-a-lifetime deal, closed in 30 minutes, making him the new owner of the yacht, rechristened Trump Princess.
The hefty discount-
Being the shrewd businessman he was, Trump managed to score a stellar deal on the Nabila superyacht, securing a further $1 million discount. This discount was due to Khashoggi’s desire not to have the American tycoon use Nabila, his daughter’s name, on the luxury vessel. The 41-year-old Trump negotiated with an upset Khashoggi and finally agreed to drop the name in exchange for a $1 million discount on the $30 million deal. He finally bought the exceptional boat for $29 million. Had the Saudi businessman waited, he would have known Trump was never going to use the name anyway.
The many luxuries of the terrific Trump Princess Yacht-
Renamed Trump Princess, the yacht underwent significant refits costing $8.5 million. Trump replaced the 3,500 yards of chamois leather, repaired the hull and engine, and converted one of the ostentatious rooms into a children’s playroom. He even added a bold T on the helipad, replacing the usual H. With no need for a salon, Trump made space for a cloakroom, beneficial for the grand parties he planned to host on his opulent ship.
The Trump Princess could accommodate 400 guests, offering endless amenities like an 800-book library, a swimming pool, ornate furnishings such as onyx bathtubs with gold hardware, a tortoiseshell ceiling, and a king-sized bed with buttons for every whim in the owner’s suite. This self-sufficient motor yacht also boasted patisseries, six galleys, several bars, and lounging areas, among many other features.
After using it for nearly four years, Donald Trump sold the Trump Princess for $20 million to Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia in 1991. The Saudi royal renamed it Kingdom 5KR after his investment company, Kingdom Holdings, his lucky number 5, and the initials of two of his children.
