The Al Lusail, owned by the Emir of Qatar, has docked in Port Tarraco after a seven-month refit in Germany. The extensive renovation, estimated at €35 million, marks the yacht’s return to the Mediterranean ahead of the summer season.
On June 29, the 123-metre superyacht Al Lusail made a striking return to Port Tarraco, drawing attention not only for its imposing silhouette but for the scale of its recent transformation. Owned by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, the vessel arrived in Tarragona after a seven-month stay at the Lürssen shipyard in Germany, where it underwent its first major refit since its delivery in 2017.
The overhaul, reportedly valued at around €35 million, included a comprehensive review of the yacht’s systems and structure. According to published estimates, the work covered hull inspections, underwater maintenance, upgrades to propellers and rudder, generator and climate system servicing, automation updates, restoration of teak decks, and a full repaint—an operation alone said to account for €13 million of the total budget. Lürssen has not released an official breakdown, but the figures suggest the refit represented roughly 7% of the yacht’s estimated €500 million value.
Technical Profile
Al Lusail stands out as one of the largest private yachts ever built by Lürssen, measuring 123 metres in length with a gross tonnage of 8,489 GT. Its steel hull and aluminium superstructure were designed by H2 Yacht Design, with interiors by March & White Design. The yacht is powered by twin MTU diesel engines, reaching a published top speed of 19 knots and a range of approximately 4,500 nautical miles—specifications that enable extended voyages across the Mediterranean and beyond. While most sources list a beam of 20 metres, some technical sheets suggest up to 23 metres.
Luxury and Capacity
Inside, Al Lusail is configured to host up to 36 guests in 18 suites, supported by a crew of 56. Amenities include a swimming pool, forward helipad, cinema, gym, beauty salon, guest elevators, beach club, and a side garage for tenders. The design prioritises panoramic views and natural light, with expansive glass facades and curved lines that visually soften the yacht’s considerable volume. For privacy reasons, much of the interior layout remains undisclosed.
Port Tarraco’s Superyacht Lineup
The yacht’s arrival coincided with two other notable vessels in Tarragona: the 71.5-metre Um Alhoul, also Qatari-flagged and equipped for diving and exploration, and the Seven Seas, owned by film director Steven Spielberg. The presence of these three giants created a rare spectacle in Port Tarraco, highlighting the port’s growing appeal among the world’s elite yacht owners. The scale of Al Lusail is particularly evident when compared to other large vessels, such as the 80-metre superyacht recently transported through Dutch canals—a difference of 43 metres in length.
Context and Significance
The timing of Al Lusail’s return, just ahead of the Mediterranean high season, underscores the importance of such refits for maintaining the operational and aesthetic standards expected at this level of private yachting. As noted by Talent24h, the investment in modernisation reflects both the technical demands and the prestige associated with vessels of this class. The trend of major upgrades to luxury assets is not limited to the maritime world; for example, the recent expansion of Madrid Sur shopping centre in Vallecas demonstrates a similar commitment to large-scale renewal in other sectors.
With its latest overhaul complete, Al Lusail is once again ready to serve as a floating residence for the Qatari royal family and their guests, reaffirming its status as one of the Mediterranean’s most recognisable and exclusive superyachts.
