Who owns the biggest yacht in the world

So, the world's biggest yacht? That's the AZZAM. 180 meters, 590 feet of floating palace. And who gets to call it theirs? It's Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – well, was. He was the former president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi. The thing was built by Lürssen Yachts in Germany, launched way back in 2013. Look, ownership's been this weirdly secret thing, lots of speculation. But every credible source I've seen – yacht industry people, shipping registries – they all point to the Al Nahyan family. And yeah, Sheikh Khalifa passed away in May 2022. But the yacht? Still with the Abu Dhabi royals.

What is the exact size of the biggest yacht in the world?

Exactly 180.61 meters. That's 592.6 feet. Makes it the longest superyacht on the planet. And get this – it's one of the fastest for its size too. Top speed over 30 knots. The beam is 20.8 meters, draft is 4.3 meters. To wrap your head around it: longer than a football field. Taller than a 12-story building, from the waterline to the top of the mast. It's absurd.

How much did the biggest yacht in the world cost?

Industry people throw around $600 million USD. That's just for the build – design, engineering, construction by Lürssen. But honestly? The real number is probably way higher. Interior design, security systems, all that ongoing stuff. And running it? Annual maintenance and crew costs are estimated between $40 million and $60 million. Every year. Fuel, crew salaries, insurance, dockage. It's a money pit of epic proportions.

What features does the world's largest yacht have?

The AZZAM is famous for being both huge and fast. Here's a quick rundown:

• Top Speed: Over 30 knots. Crazy fast. Hybrid gas turbine and diesel engine system.
• Interior Design: Christophe Leoni did it. French Empire, Italian, modern styles all mashed together.
• Security: Missile defense system. Other serious measures. You know, because royalty.
• Accommodation: 36 guests. A crew of 60 to 80 people. Think about that ratio.
• Helipad: A big one on the forward deck. Obviously.

Who owns the second biggest yacht in the world?

Second place is the Eclipse. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. 162.5 meters, 533 feet. Built by Blohm + Voss, delivered in 2010. Highlights include two helipads, a swimming pool that turns into a dance floor, and a mini-submarine. The rankings shift sometimes, though. The Dilbar, for instance – owned by Alisher Usmanov – it's actually the largest by gross tonnage. But shorter than the Eclipse.

Is the biggest yacht in the world for charter?

Nope. Not for charter. Never will be. AZZAM is strictly private. For the Abu Dhabi royal family and their guests only. You basically never see it in public ports. It's usually anchored in secluded spots or off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The security is insane. So yeah, don't hold your breath.

How does the biggest yacht compare to other large yachts?

Here's a table. Top five by length. Current year.

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