The $450 million megayacht of an Abu Dhabi minister infuriated locals in Tuscany, Italy, by recklessly sailing over the protected waters of a marine national park. The sheiks launched jet skis and speedboats from the 12518-ton vessel at a location where swimming is prohibited.
Sheikhs reside in palaces, superyachts, and opulence. The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, added’soup’ to this extravagant mixture. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, sailed this enormous yacht Opera in the protected waters off the Italian island of Giannutri. This Tuscan paradise is off-limits to the common man, and is reserved for the uncommon marine species of the Mediterranean. The virtually human-free zone is a pristine and fragile domain with strict restrictions. People are permitted to visit the island, but access is restricted to 100 people per day who must purchase an admission ticket and be conscious not to damage the native flora and fauna. For the safety of the island, even pets must always be on a tether.
Multiple jet skis and possibly a yacht tender or speed boat can be seen circling the Opera megayacht in the video above.As reported by the Italian newspaper Repubblica, the locals were understandably astonished to see a $450 million, 12,518-ton yacht sailing carefree in all its splendor. Environmental group Legambiente reported on July 17 that the Opera, owned by Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, had violated protected waters. “Like in a movie, motorboats and water scooters emerged from the megayacht’s hold and frolicked in the protected waters of the island, a restricted area for commoners.”
The locals were plainly harmed by the prohibition on swimming in the pristine waters, but the rules did not apply to the $10 billion sheikh worth billions of dollars. Italian publication LA 17 shared a video of an enormous superyacht in one of the unguarded corridors, with toys and tenders freely zipping in and out. “We fantasize about bathing in such locations, but these people do as they please,” said a local. Campaigners from Legambiente implored the ministers of the Environment, Foreign Affairs, and Marine Policies, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Antonio Tajani, and Nello Musumeci, to take action against this “violation of environmental and maritime sovereignty.” Nonetheless, the Italian government cannot risk destabilizing relations with one of its most important economic and diplomatic partners. Who is currently in a jam?
The lavish $450 million Opera Yacht is 478 feet long, has seven decks, and has a gross tonnage of 12,150 GT, indicating that it is as’mega’ as it gets! If that wasn’t sufficient, perhaps the nearly $500 million price tag and royal proprietor will do the trick. The Lurssen behemoth was the most costly and largest yacht delivered in 2023. The stunning ship is shrouded in concealment and only reveals its exteriors for admiration. Opera has a teak deck, a steel vessel, and an aluminum superstructure, but there is much more beneath the surface. Opera, one of the top 10 superyachts in the world, was designed by Terence Disdale and can accommodate up to 48 passengers in 24 staterooms with a crew of 80.
The spectacular luxury vessel will undoubtedly be equipped with every opulent amenity. Still, a Jacuzzi on the sundeck and a swimming pool on the main deck forwards are certain. Images also show a helipad on the ship’s forward superstructure. Compared to other megayachts, it is fair to assume Opera will have a cinema, spa, wellness center, several alfresco dining areas, a hospital for the royal family, enviable artwork, and 5-star hotel-level amenities.
The $450 million vessel, powered by MTU engines, has a maximum speed of 20 knots and an annual operating cost of $35 million to $40 million. The royals and their enormous cruise ship continue to luxuriate in the Italian sun, as the ship is currently docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, approximately three hours from Giannutri.
Giannutri is one of the seven islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Giannutri is comprised of 18,000 hectares of land and 60,000 hectares of water. The crescent-shaped island is the park’s southernmost point. Its natural habitat is home to fin whales, sperm whales, dolphins, poseidonia, and sea lilies, in addition to Etruscan and Roman shipwrecks.
Even though the entire littoral of Giannutri is inaccessible (Zone A, the southern portion, has stricter restrictions), its clear blue waters and biodiverse seabed continue to attract snorkelers and scuba divers.
Since 2006, when he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, the wealthy politician has prioritized maintaining clear political positions, nurturing international partnerships, and developing specialized diplomatic capabilities. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the half-brother of the late President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is a political science graduate from UAE University.
He is a voracious reader and an ardent sportsman with a particular passion for scuba diving, which must have led him to the Italian Giannutri islands with their abundant marine life. In addition to football and cycling, the father of five also appreciates classical music.