After spending six months in the Mediterranean, an Abu Dhabi royal tanked up his $450 million megayacht with $700,000 worth of fuel, but the yacht is such a guzzler that even the 500 tons of fuel won’t be enough to complete its 5,800-mile journey to the UAE

When a superyacht owned by a Middle Eastern royal sets sail, even the waves seem to bow in admiration. Such is the grandeur of the 479-foot Opera megayacht, belonging to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Majestic, magnificent, and now en route home, this floating palace is a spectacle in every sense.

After a six-month sojourn in the Mediterranean, the Lürssen-built behemoth is charting a return to the Middle East, refueling with 500 tons of diesel for the journey, a princely expense of $700,000. But for its owner, who reportedly spends $40–$50 million annually on maintenance, such a sum is a mere drop in the ocean.

The 12,000 GT Opera, valued at $450 million, comfortably accommodates 48 guests in 24 lavish cabins, with a crew of 80 ensuring seamless operations. As one of the largest and most exclusive yachts in the world, Opera embodies opulence and secrecy in equal measure. Rumored to feature gold-plated furnishings across its lounges and rooms, it boasts seven expansive decks and an entire floor dedicated to water sports, according to Atlanticohoy. The 72-foot-wide yacht also houses smaller vessels within its cavernous interiors.

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What’s visible to the naked eye is equally jaw-dropping, two helipads, two swimming pools, and a beach club, complemented by a world-class spa, a women-only salon, and the signature touches of Terence Disdale Design. For those onboard, Opera isn’t just a yacht, it is a masterpiece. Fittingly, its launch was celebrated with soprano Elizabeth Winn performing Puccini’s “Chi il bel sogno.”

At the time of writing, superyacht Opera has departed from Las Palmas and is bound for Philipsburg in Sint Maarten, according to Marine Traffic. Currently cruising near West Africa, this gilded giant glides at a top speed of 20 knots, with a cruising speed of 14 knots. Indeed, Opera is a melody in motion, one that commands attention, awe, and applause.

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Who owns the opulent superyacht Opera?

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also known as AbZ, is a 52-year-old Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. A son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, he is a father of five and holds a degree in political science from UAE University. With a net worth of around $10 billion, according to Superyachtfan, the royal family member has diverse interests, including reading, history, scuba diving, and classical music. However, he is best known for owning the colossal 479-foot superyacht Opera.