Abu Dhabi Sheikh's $180M superyacht is a 'maritime monument' that's become Spain's newest tourist attraction

Yas, a stunning $180 million superyacht owned by an Abu Dhabi Sheikh was recently spotted in Malaga, Spain.

Stretching 141 meters (463 feet), it ranks among the world’s largest superyachts.

But nothing prepares you for the sheer size when you see the yacht in person, especially when it’s docked at a relatively small port like the one in Malaga, Spain.

And there’s something else about the yacht that makes it special.

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Yas used to be a navy ship

Just like Christina O, Yas started life as a navy frigate.

Originally named HNLMS Piet Hein, the boat was launched in 1978 and started service in 1981.

In 1998, the boat was decommissioned and sold to the United Arab Emirates Navy.

The UAE Navy renamed the vessel Al Emirat, but kept using it as a navy craft for about a decade.

Then, between 2008 and 2009, the ship was rebuilt and turned into a luxury superyacht.

They named it after Yas Island, where the F1 Grand Prix also takes place.

This 60-guest, 30-suite ship is worth $180 million, and you need at least $20 million a year, every year, for maintenance, crew, taxes, and so on.

Abu Dhabi royals own some of the largest yachts in the world

When it was first rebuilt and relaunched, Yas was one of the world’s largest motor yachts.

Unsurprisingly, most other yachts on the list are also owned by some members of the Emirati Royal family.

Among others, Abu Dhabi sheikhs own Flying Fox, the $450 million yacht that Jay-Z and Beyoncé used to charter.

The Al Nahyan also owns Blue, a 524-foot (160-meter) yacht worth around $600 million, and A+, previously named Topaz, a 482-foot (147-meter) superyacht worth $450 million.

Last but certainly not least, the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, Azzam, was also built for an Abu Dhabi royal.