Yachting is one of the main passions of the wealthy, an almost inevitable status to prove success achieved, and what is true of individuals has always been true of states as well. The flagship concept, in fact, serves precisely to present to the world the economic, technological and military power of a nation. When these two dimensions, individual and collective, are fused together by one of the richest and most luxury-loving states on the planet, the result can only be extraordinary.
This is the idea behind the UAE One project, commissioned from an Italian designer by a sheikh from the United Arab Emirates, whose identity has not been revealed, and which will become one of the largest yachts in history. The mission entrusted in 2020 to the Milanese studio of Enzo Manca, specialized in the development of unique superyacht concepts, was to create a truly special vessel, capable of perfectly representing the ambitions of the Emirati state, combining official solemnity with all the luxuries and comforts of large pleasure boats.
Enzo Manca recounts the genesis of the monumental project in this way: “The idea for the UAE One was born three years ago, during a very special meeting I had with a sheikh from the United Arab Emirates on vacation in Italy. The proposal was to develop a concept of a megayacht of more than 100 meters in length, which would be very different from anything designed before, and with the aim of becoming the flagship of the Emirati state, which currently does not have one”.
In fact, many countries have official ships that give prestige to their navies, such as the American Nimitz or Ford, or the British flagship Queen Elizabeth, the Italian Cavour or the Spanish Juan Carlos I. “During the meeting – explains Manca – the client was very clear and categorical. He wanted something truly unique: a mega-yacht inspired by defense ships, with a very modern, luxurious line and avant-garde design”.
It’s hard to describe a project like UAE One with just one adjective. Taking inspiration from the ships of the national navies, the ship combines the glamor and luxury of large yachts with the strategic and representative functions of aircraft carriers. As a result, the ship has gigantic dimensions: 140 meters long, 28 wide and 40 high, with curved lines that differentiate it from ocean-going vessels. While the hull and two aft decks remain similar to those of more conventional yachts, it is the structural elements of the upper decks, especially the foredeck, that give her a spaceship look.
Nine bridges are stacked on the ship, covering a total area of ??2,800 square meters. Per the Sheikh’s specific request, the yacht has been designed for maximum privacy: tenders can moor to discreetly pick up and drop off guests at the inner berth, at the entrance or on the port side. The fifth deck features a slatted roof with variable pitch, the system serves to protect the wing, where the main meeting rooms and the owner’s cabins are located. Military-style mirrored and stained glass windows add an extra element of privacy.
Inside there are 14 mini-apartments and eight suites for the owner, a medical area, three meeting rooms and a press room for international meetings. The crew quarters, consisting of 35 staterooms, will be large enough to accommodate up to 65 people. The client also requested the maximum ease of transfer to receive official visits from foreign delegates. To this end, two heliports are planned, one of them large for helicopters over 17 meters, a hangar for the presidential helicopter and an internal mini-port that will even house a submarine.
After two years of work, the study of the general exterior lines of the UAE One is almost complete, while the interior design part is still under development. A well-known British design studio, Craig Bragdy Design, participates in the elaboration of the internal environments from finishes made to measure and fully customizable. The first official images of the interior should be ready by the end of 2023.
Although designed for diplomatic missions, the UAE One features all the comforts expected of a luxury yacht. In fact, on the main teak deck there are large open spaces and cleverly shaded lounging areas, as well as an 18-meter swimming pool arranged transversely thanks to the 28-meter beam of the hull. There is also a gym, a wellness center and a SPA. In addition, in the bow area it is planned to place a huge circular sofa with a fireplace in the center so that guests can admire a 360 degree panorama in perfect relaxation.
It remains to be known what the propulsion of the engine will be and, therefore, the performance remains indefinable. However, Manca explains, “if technology manages to advance enough, we think of hydrogen or microturbines that feed the electric generators to put the PODs into operation (the gondola-shaped machines, hung under the stern of the boat, that combine both the propulsion and the steering function)”. Better not ask for the price. Some estimates speak of more than 500 million euros, but this is a matter that only concerns the state budget of the United Arab Emirates.
