Ordinary billionaires settle for a superyacht, but the Qatari royal family bought an entire marina in Spain and upgraded it just so their $500 million megayacht can dock in secrecy on their frequent summer retreats from Doha's blistering heat

Gulf Insider

2 days ago

This week, one of the most extraordinary vessels on the water, Al Lusail, the private superyacht of the Emir of Qatar, was spotted sailing along Spain's Mediterranean coast, drawing awe from onlookers and yacht enthusiasts alike. The 123-meter floating palace made a quiet return to Port Tarraco Marina, one of the few Mediterranean ports specifically equipped to accommodate vessels of its scale and stature. Interestingly, the port was previously owned by Qatar.
Designed for privacy, security, and world-class luxury, Al Lusail is among the most technically advanced and visually distinctive superyachts in the world. Built by the renowned German shipyard Lürssen and delivered in 2017, the vessel boasts sleek, futuristic lines penned by British design studio H2 Yacht Design, with a lavish interior by March & White.
The yacht features multiple swimming pools, a helipad, cinema, beach club, and expansive lounges tailored for relaxation and discreet meetings at sea. Though full details remain a closely guarded secret, Al Lusail is believed to accommodate up to 36 guests in absolute comfort, attended to by a highly trained crew.
Its arrival at Port Tarraco, located in Tarragona just an hour south of Barcelona, is more than a picturesque stop along the Mediterranean. The marina itself has a quiet but notable history, originally developed with the capacity and infrastructure to berth some of the world's largest private vessels, Al Lusail included.
In fact, while not officially confirmed, industry insiders often suggest that the marina's impressive specifications were influenced, at least in part, by the needs of the Qatari royal fleet during its original development in the early 2000s.
With 33 berths ranging from 45 to 160 meters, Port Tarraco is one of the few facilities in Spain and indeed the broader region that can comfortably receive multiple 100-meter-plus yachts at once. Its deep-water access, high-capacity shore power, and advanced security systems make it ideal for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion, safety, and elite service. It was indirectly under the ownership of the Emir after it was purchased by the Qatari Diar Fund in 2011.
Despite its past ties to Qatari investment via the Qatari Diar Fund, the port was sold in 2020 to Spanish marina operator Ocibar, who now manage it alongside other premier facilities such as Port Adriano and Marina Botafoc.
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