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Superyacht Katara owned by former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani docks in Dover

12:18, 14 August 2022

updated: 15:20, 15 August 2022

One of the world's largest superyachts owned by one of the richest men in the world is docked in a Kent harbour.

The vessel named, motor yacht Katara, is held by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar.

The Katara yacht in Dover is valued at around $400m. Picture: Ashley Burns
The Katara yacht in Dover is valued at around $400m. Picture: Ashley Burns

The vessel is currently docked at the Port of Dover cruise terminal after coming from Rendsburg in Germany.

Built by Lürssen Yachts in 2010, the megayacht is 408ft (124.4m) long and boasts a helicopter pad and several decks has enough space for 28 guests in 14 cabins and 60 crew in 30 cabins.

The vessel weighs nearly 8,000 tonnes and has a top speed of 20 knots.

She is thought to be the 33rd largest yacht in the world and has an estimated value of £330m ($400m), according to Superyacht Times and is estimated to cost between $25-40m per year to run, according to Superyacht Fan.

Sheikh Hamad is a member of the ruling Al Thani Qatari royal family, he was the ruling Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013.

The huge yacht Katara in Dover harbour at the cruise terminal next to the Viking cruise liner on Sunday
The huge yacht Katara in Dover harbour at the cruise terminal next to the Viking cruise liner on Sunday
The Katara yacht is thought to be the 33rd biggest yacht in the world .Picture:Jamie Henworth
The Katara yacht is thought to be the 33rd biggest yacht in the world .Picture:Jamie Henworth

In 2013 Hamad abdicated as Emir and now his son Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, sits on the throne.

During his reign Hamad was able exploit the country’s vast oil fields, tapping the world’s third largest gas reserves.

By 2010 liquefied natural gas production had reached 77 million tons, making Qatar the richest country in the world.

The Sheikh has three wives and twenty-four children, eleven sons and thirteen daughters.

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