One of the world’s largest yachts sailed into the southern Norwegian port of Kristiansand over the weekend and quickly attracted media coverage. Wealthy Norwegians own lots of yachts, too, but not quite as big as the emir’s Al Lusail.
It’s 123 meters long and worth an estimated NOK 5 billion. News bureau NTB reported that Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani flew into Kristiansand’s Kjevik airport in his private jet Saturday evening and was driven directly to the dock to board the vessel. Police could confirm his presence but claimed they didn’t know the nature of the visit.
Local newspaper Fædrelandsvennen reported that the yacht was at least contributing to the local economy through purchases of seafood and a reported visit to the historic nearby shipping community of Farsund. Stavanger Aftenblad, based farther up the coast, reported potential visits along the coast of Rogaland.
Qatar has been at the center of controversy in Norway over the very poor working conditions for migrant labourers who’ve built new facilities for the upcoming and equally controversial World Cup for football (soccer). The emir, through the state firm Qatar Sports Investment, also owns the Paris Saint Germain football club.
NewsinEnglish.no staff