There may be new and splendid superyachts being built and delivered almost every other day, but the mammoths that have sailed the high seas for decades still command a fan following of their own. Case in point: the Qatari royal family’s megayacht Katara. This $400 million floating mansion, longer than two Olympic sized swimming pools, was back in the spotlight recently. After a brief hiatus, the luxury yacht Katara returned to the Blohm+Voss shipyard.
The superyacht, owned by the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was spotted on the Elbe River at the end of April following extensive overhaul and conversion work. Yet it already appears to be undergoing another round of touch-ups at Blohm+Voss. As expected, the shipyard has refused to divulge any details, citing the vessel’s private ownership and the need to respect client confidentiality.
The Lürssen-built goliath, delivered in 2010, previously underwent a major refit nearly a decade ago after a fire broke out in the engine room. While refits of Katara have typically taken place at the Nobiskrug shipyard in Rendsburg, this shift to Blohm+Voss is likely the result of Nobiskrug’s bankruptcy and subsequent takeover by Lürssen. One way or another, the six-decker has found its way home.
The royal ship, capable of dwarfing many cruise liners, was named after “Catara,” the earliest recorded name for the Qatar Peninsula. The 7,922-tonne superyacht of the Al Thani family was designed by Espen Øino, with a refined interior envisioned by the late Alberto Pinto.
Being a royal possession, and hence an enigma, very little is known about the interiors. Yet speculation runs wild. Some say it’s a dreamscape of marble, gold, and teak, while others mention amenities like a beach club, a beauty salon, a large-capacity cinema, multiple swimming pools and fitness centers, and 18 lavish suites for up to 36 guests, all accessible by private elevators. A helipad ensures swift entries and exits, as expected.
In addition to the fabulous Katara yacht, the family also owns the $500 million Al Lusail, a grand megayacht that belongs to his son, the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim. The 403-foot Lürssen superyacht, featuring panoramic glass walls, marble floors, a helipad, an indoor cinema, and a full-fledged spa, is currently cruising in Mallorca, Spain, while the Katara undergoes touch-ups in Germany.
The man, the monarch, the maritime mogul-
A floating palace fit for a former emir, Katara is owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. It stands as a fitting symbol of one of the richest families in the world, with an estimated net worth of $350 billion. The father of 27 children, Sheikh Hamad, received his education in Qatar and later at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.
His reign left a transformative imprint on the nation. Alongside his influential wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, he championed reforms including women’s participation in national elections. In June 2013, he voluntarily abdicated in favor of his 33-year-old son, Tamim, who now serves as the Emir of Qatar.
In addition to Katara, the former ruler also owns a fleet of Boeing aircraft, one of which was recently gifted to the United States.
