A Royal Arrival in Palma
When Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Yasmine of the Sea glided into Palma’s harbor, it was not merely a yacht docking but a statement of presence. At 1,737 gross tons and spanning four decks, the $100 million vessel stood out even in a city accustomed to luxury arrivals. Designed and built by Dutch shipyard Oceanco and delivered in 2001, Yasmine of the Sea remains as sleek and commanding as the day it first touched water. Its sharp profile, sculpted by The A Group, gives the impression of both speed and grace, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike.
What makes the yacht even more intriguing is its rarity. For over two decades, the vessel has kept much of its interior world hidden, with no official imagery or specifications released publicly. In a market where even the most private superyachts eventually reveal details, the veil of secrecy surrounding Yasmine of the Sea has only enhanced its mystique. To see it anchored in Palma, one of the Mediterranean’s most storied yachting destinations, reminds onlookers that some vessels embody more than engineering; they carry the aura of their owners’ stature.
Palma, with its historic waterfront and reputation as a haven for the world’s most opulent yachts, has long been a favorite stop for Qatar’s ruling family. It is not unusual to see members of the Al Thani dynasty anchor their maritime palaces here. Yet the arrival of Yasmine of the Sea reignited conversations about the deep ties between the Balearic city and Gulf royals, who often transform its waters into an open-air showcase of the world’s most exclusive fleets.
A Twin Born of Oceanco’s Vision
The story of Yasmine of the Sea does not end with a single yacht. It extends into a family tale of twin vessels. The ship has a near-identical sister, Constellation, also built by Oceanco and owned by Sheikh Abdullah’s half-brother. For over twenty years, the two yachts have formed a kind of mirrored presence on the seas, both maintaining their relevance through careful upkeep and discreet modernization. This dual ownership is emblematic of the Al Thani family’s approach to maritime luxury: understated, enduring, and deeply personal.
Both yachts emerged from a collaboration between The A Group and designer Camillo Costantini, blending European naval architecture with a distinctly Qatari sense of grandeur. The interiors, though closely guarded, are rumored to balance traditional opulence with contemporary comfort, reflecting the family’s dual embrace of heritage and innovation. Despite speculation, no confirmed details of their décor have surfaced since their launch, making them two of the most mysterious yachts afloat today.
Behind the elegant lines lies considerable power. Yasmine of the Sea is propelled by twin MTU engines, delivering a top speed of 24 knots. Inside, the yacht accommodates its passengers with a master suite, four VIP staterooms, and seven guest cabins. Such capacity ensures the ship is not only a personal retreat for Sheikh Abdullah but also a floating residence capable of welcoming extended family, dignitaries, and guests in consummate luxury.
A Life Between Equestrian Fields and Open Seas
Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani is no stranger to prominence. A Sandhurst-trained royal and Qatar’s prime minister from 1996 to 2007, he has long been a central figure in the Gulf state’s political and economic landscape. Today, at 67, he chairs QIPCO Holding, a vast conglomerate with interests in construction, finance, and real estate. Yet beyond boardrooms and politics, two passions define his private world: horses and the sea.
An avid equestrian, Sheikh Abdullah owns Umm Qarn, a sprawling 580-acre horse farm dedicated to breeding and racing. His horses compete internationally, carrying not only his colors but also Qatar’s reputation in the sport. This devotion to the equestrian tradition mirrors the maritime commitment reflected in his superyacht, which he has maintained for more than two decades at an estimated cost of $10 million annually. Both passions, though distinct, reflect a taste for heritage disciplines requiring patience, investment, and enduring stewardship.
Currently, Yasmine of the Sea is cruising the waters of Mallorca, its silhouette a familiar sight for residents and tourists scanning the horizon. Just as his horses command attention on the track, Sheikh Abdullah’s yacht commands admiration at sea. Its scale, secrecy, and symbolism make it one of the most compelling maritime presences in the Mediterranean. Together, his pursuits underscore a life lived at the intersection of tradition and modern luxury, where time on land and water are equally defined by elegance and power.