Saudi Prince’s Megayacht Featured Three Dedicated Hospitals for Exclusive Medical Care

The Al Salamah, a colossal superyacht commissioned by the late Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was not merely a vessel of opulence but a floating palace with an unprecedented feature: three dedicated hospitals. This unique arrangement ensured exclusive medical attention tailored to the prince, his guests, and the crew, reflecting a profound emphasis on privacy and protocol.

A Floating Palace with Medical Wings

Constructed in 1998, the Al Salamah measured an impressive 139 meters in length and was valued at over $280 million at the time. Its annual maintenance costs are estimated to range between $15 and $28 million. Beyond its lavish marble interiors and luxurious amenities, the yacht’s medical facilities set it apart. Instead of a standard well-equipped infirmary, the Al Salamah housed three distinct hospitals, each situated on different decks to cater to specific occupants.

This stratification of medical care mirrored the yacht’s overall layout, designed to maintain strict hierarchical separation. The royal family and the prince occupied the seventh deck, which included his office, secretariat, and private quarters. VIP guests and high-ranking Saudi officials were accommodated on the sixth deck. The extensive crew of up to 96 members, responsible for operating the yacht, resided and were attended to on the lower decks. This compartmentalization extended to all aspects of life aboard, including the yacht’s five galleys and, notably, its three medical centers.

Specialized Care

Each hospital was strategically located to serve its intended patients. One hospital was situated on the seventh deck, adjacent to the prince’s suite, providing immediate access for his personal medical needs. A second hospital was located on the sixth deck for the care of guests, and a third was positioned on the lower levels to attend to the crew. The prince’s personal medical facility was the most advanced, reportedly including specialized equipment such as an underwater treadmill designed for physiotherapy.

Beyond Medical Facilities

The Al Salamah offered a comprehensive array of amenities for its occupants, including a beauty salon, private cinema, library, meeting rooms, spa, and gymnasium. For transportation and security, it was equipped with four auxiliary launches, a rescue boat, and a helideck. The yacht also featured a dressing room for artists who performed exclusively for the Saudi royal family.

A Prince with a Humanitarian Vision

Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who served as Minister of Defense and Aviation and was appointed Crown Prince in 2005, was known for his hierarchical approach to power and order. He was also recognized as a “humanitarian prince” for his significant contributions to medical projects in Saudi Arabia through the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation. A notable project was the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City in Riyadh, inaugurated in 2002 at a cost of $320 million. This vast rehabilitation complex, the largest of its kind globally, featured ten major and eight minor operating rooms, a rehabilitation center with 250 beds, and a geriatric care facility with 150 beds.

Legacy of the Al Salamah

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud passed away in 2011 at the age of 86. The Al Salamah, with its unprecedented three-hospital configuration, remains in the possession of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a testament to the extraordinary lengths taken to ensure exclusive comfort and well-being for its royal occupants.

Datos clave

This story highlights an extreme example of personalized luxury and the integration of critical infrastructure into private vessels, showcasing how advanced medical facilities can be adapted for exclusive use. It demonstrates a unique intersection of technology, wealth, and healthcare prioritization.

Fuente: El megayate de este príncipe saudí escondía una obsesión inesperada: tres hospitales a bordo para tener atención médica exclusiva, Xataka, https://www.xataka.com/transporte/megayate-este-principe-saudi-escondia-obsesion-inesperada-tres-hospitales-para-tener-atencion-medica-exclusiva