Superyacht enthusiasts were thrilled to witness new footage and images of the 123-meter Al Lusail superyacht docking at Lürssen, accompanied by the caption: the colossal vessel had “returned home.”
Posted on November 25, 2025, the images revealed the $500 million yacht anchored at the very shipyard that built it, instantly sparking discussions about a potential maintenance or refurbishment.
Moments like these always excite enthusiasts, as yachts of this scale rarely return to their birthplace without purpose. Its last recorded visit was in October 2021 at Blohm+Voss Hamburg’s Dock 16 for technical and exterior maintenance. At eight years old, Al Lusail is due for mid-life maintenance.
Maintenance or refurbishment on such a large yacht ensures machinery and safety systems operate flawlessly. Mechanical overhauls are frequent. The yacht’s two MTU 20V 1163 M84 engines and generators, after seasons in the Mediterranean and Middle East, require thorough electrical checks, new parts, fluid analysis, and recalibration.
Yachts the size of football fields require numerous servers and miles of cabling to operate.
Navigation systems, satellite communications, IT infrastructure, security networks, and AV systems are typically updated every 5 to 8 years. A 2017-launched yacht is clearly due.
Exterior repairs are inevitable. Full repainting is unlikely, but partial repainting, scratch repairs, underwater coating renewal, and upper hull refreshes are common. Teak deck refurbishment is nearly mandatory. After eight summers, sanding or replacing deck sections is essential.
Pools, glass doors, and beach club areas require regular maintenance. Al Lusail’s iconic glass frontage and large private pool mean glass seals, pool filtration, and water treatment systems need periodic checks and replacements.
Interior maintenance details are never disclosed, but standard work for a 7-10-year-old luxury yacht includes furniture refreshes, selective replacements, quieter HVAC systems, and lighting upgrades.
Such refits typically last 3 to 6 months, involving surveys, painting, and mechanical overhauls. Extensive interior changes or complex system upgrades can extend this to 9 or even 12 months.
Costs are a common concern. Industry guidelines suggest such major maintenance easily consumes 5 to 10% of the original build cost. For a $500 million yacht, the 2025 maintenance range is $20 to $40 million. These are estimates based on similar projects and technical profiles, not reported figures.
Al Lusail is certainly worth the investment. With an 8,489-ton displacement, 19-knot top speed, long-range cruising, and 500,000-liter fuel capacity, it’s nearly a private cruise ship.
Built by Lürssen with a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and teak decks, its exterior was designed by H2 Yacht Design. Its March & White-crafted interior remains one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.
It features multiple pools, a spa, cinema, gym, expansive beach club, large glass balconies, a central skylight, and space for 36 guests with a 56-person crew.
Its tender bay houses a D-RIB and two limousines, and a helipad ensures discreet VIP arrivals. Every few years, it returns to northern Germany for check-ups.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, owns the Al Lusail superyacht.
Its owner, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar since 2013, is known for his passion for sports and high-tech. He oversees the Qatar Investment Authority and holds stakes in major global organizations.
Notable assets include a $247 million London mansion and a $200 million Boeing 747—and, of course, Al Lusail, his maritime status symbol.
A yacht of this caliber demands meticulous care, and its quiet 2025 return to Lürssen signals the Emir’s intent to keep it operating at peak performance for years to come.
Russian Superyacht Seized and Sold for a Fraction of Its $300 Million Value in Exclusive Auction Requiring $500 Million Minimum Assets to Participate
The winning bid for the superyacht is believed to be significantly below its true market value.
Unveiling the One-of-a-Kind Mercedes-Maybach S680: A Super-Luxury Sedan with a Yacht-Inspired Design, the Only One in the World, with an Undisclosed Price Tag
Introducing the one-of-a-kind Mercedes-Maybach S680, an exquisite automobile inspired by the graceful elegance of yachts. This majestic vehicle, a masterpiece crafted by German automotive engineers, embodies the pinnacle of luxury and performance. With its sleek lines and spacious interior, the S680 evokes the sensation of sailing on open waters, offering an unparalleled experience of opulence and freedom. Prepare to be captivated by the ultimate fusion of automotive innovation and maritime inspiration.
