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00:00From the Sultan of Brunei's $520 million flying palace with golden toilets to Egypt's 150-year-old presidential yacht that opened the Suez Canal,
00:09in this video, we're going inside the most luxurious presidential travels, the jets, yachts and convoys that redefine power and opulence.
00:17The Sultan's golden sky palace, Brunei's Boeing 747-8BBJ.
00:22In the realm of aviation luxury, few aircraft can match the sheer extravagance of the Sultan of Brunei's Boeing 747-8 business jet.
00:32This double-decker quadget, registered as V8BKH, serves as the flagship of one of the world's most extensive private aviation fleets,
00:39earning its nickname as the Flying Palace.
00:42The aircraft represents the absolute pinnacle of what's possible when unlimited wealth meets aerospace engineering excellence.
00:48Sultan Hassan al-Bolkir acquired this magnificent aircraft in September 2016 for an estimated total cost of $520 million,
00:57with the base Boeing 747-8 airframe costing approximately $400 million and an additional $120 million invested in customizations
01:06that transform every surface into a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
01:10The modifications required an army of artisans working for over a year to achieve perfection.
01:15The technical specifications are staggering beyond imagination.
01:19Measuring 250 feet in length with a wingspan of 224 feet,
01:23powered by four General Electric Geninex engines providing over 56,000 pounds of thrust each,
01:29the aircraft can cruise at 920 kilometers per h, with a maximum range exceeding 15,000 kilometers.
01:35These capabilities enable non-stop flights between any two cities on Earth,
01:39making the Sultan completely independent of commercial aviation infrastructure.
01:43The interior features extensive use of solid gold or gold-plated elements throughout,
01:48including sinks, washbasins, faucets and toilet handles.
01:52The weight of gold alone adds over two tons to the aircraft,
01:55requiring structural reinforcements that push engineering boundaries.
01:58Tables feature gold and lapis lazuli inlays, with crystal chandeliers providing elegant lighting,
02:03while executive lounges feature velvet sofas, two-toned leather chairs and hand-woven carpets in lush blue, gold and cream tones.
02:10The dining arrangements rival Michelin-starred restaurants,
02:13with master chefs trained in French culinary arts preparing meals mid-flight,
02:17using ingredients flown in from around the world.
02:20The aircraft has been reconfigured for around 100, 150 passengers in VIP mode to prioritize space and luxury over capacity,
02:28sacrificing efficiency for unprecedented comfort that makes commercial first class appear cramped by comparison.
02:34From this aerial palace, we descend to the maritime realm where floating cities rule the waves.
02:40The Ruler's Floating Empire, UAE's Dubai Yacht
02:43In the crystalline waters where luxury yachting reaches its absolute zenith,
02:48the motor yacht Dubai represents the transformation of a stalled international project
02:52into a floating symbol of Emirati ambition and engineering prowess that redefined what was possible in private yachting.
02:58The Dubai's genesis traces back to 1995, when it was initially commissioned by Prince Jeffrey Balkia of Brunei,
03:05undertaken as a joint venture between the prestigious German shipyards Blome plus Voss and Lurssen,
03:10representing the pinnacle of European shipbuilding expertise.
03:13However, construction came to an abrupt halt in 1997,
03:16when the client discontinued the purchase contract,
03:19reportedly due to significant cost overruns that had spiraled beyond even royal budgets,
03:24leaving an engineering marvel incomplete.
03:26In 2001, the project found new life when it was acquired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
03:32the current ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE,
03:35through Dubai-based shipyard platinum yachts.
03:37The rescue represented more than a business transaction.
03:40It became a statement of national capability and Emirati determination
03:44to complete what European yards could not finish.
03:47The subsequent four-year completion process culminated in the yacht's launch in 2006,
03:52briefly claiming the title of the world's longest yacht and establishing Dubai as a serious player in super-yacht construction.
03:58Measuring 162 meters in length with a beam of 22 meters,
04:02the Dubai displaced 13,470 gross tons when it emerged as a maritime monument to human engineering capability.
04:10Powered by four MTU-20V diesel engines generating approximately 6,323 kilowatts each,
04:18this floating palace achieves an impressive top speed of 26 knots,
04:22a remarkable achievement considering its massive displacement and luxury accommodations.
04:27With a massive 1.2 million liter diesel tank,
04:30the vessel can travel 8,500 nautical miles without refueling,
04:34enabling transcontinental voyages that transform it from regional pleasure craft
04:38into a truly global transportation platform capable of reaching any coastline on Earth.
04:43The yacht's central architectural showpiece is its grand atrium, spanning 21.3 meters in width,
04:49featuring a spectacular circular staircase with glass steps that change color,
04:54creating a dramatic visual centerpiece that rivals the world's finest hotels.
04:58The material palette blends bold colors with fine fabrics
05:01and intricately detailed handmade mosaics crafted by master artisans,
05:05using techniques passed down through generations of Middle Eastern craftsmen,
05:09each piece telling a story of cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
05:13The recreational facilities transform the Dubai into a comprehensive entertainment destination
05:18that eliminates any need to seek pleasures beyond its confines.
05:22The yacht features a 10-meter swimming pool and several jacuzzis with striking mosaic finishes,
05:27cinema and disco facilities that rival Las Vegas entertainment venues,
05:31and a squash court demonstrating commitment to specialized experiences
05:34that required innovative structural engineering.
05:37The vessel also carries a submarine and 20 waterbikes,
05:40opening underwater worlds to exploration and adventure.
05:43A helipad on the foredeck can accommodate a helicopter of up to 9.5 tons,
05:47while the yacht has the capacity to carry two 10-meter motorboats,
05:51serving as luxury tenders for shore excursions.
05:53At an estimated cost of $400 million,
05:56the Dubai represents one of the most significant investments in private yachting ever undertaken,
06:01establishing benchmarks for luxury that influenced an entire generation of superyacht design
06:06and construction philosophy.
06:07Speaking of yachts that command attention through their sheer scale and royal heritage,
06:12our next vessel represents centuries of maritime tradition combined with modern luxury.
06:18The Sultan's Majestic Fleet, Oman's Al-Sayed Yacht
06:21The Al-Sayed serves as the crown jewel of Oman's maritime assets,
06:25and stands as one of the most impressive examples of modern yacht construction dedicated to state purposes,
06:30embodying the perfect fusion of royal tradition and contemporary engineering excellence.
06:35Commissioned in 2006 under the codename Project Sunflower,
06:39the Al-Sayed was constructed by the renowned Lursen Yachts in Bremen, Germany,
06:43representing the pinnacle of German shipbuilding expertise applied to royal specifications.
06:48Launched on September 10, 2007, and delivered in 2008,
06:52this magnificent vessel required over two years of meticulous construction involving hundreds of skilled craftsmen.
06:58The yacht was originally owned by Sultan Qaboos bin Sayed al-Sayed,
07:02passing to the current Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Sayed following Sultan.
07:06Qaboos' death in January 2020,
07:08maintaining its status as Oman's premier state vessel through seamless succession,
07:12measuring 155 meters in length with a beam of 24 meters and displacing 15,850 gross tons,
07:20establishing it as the seventh longest yacht worldwide as of 2025,
07:24and demonstrating remarkable engineering scale.
07:27The yacht is powered by two MTU-20V11663 TB73 diesel engines,
07:33each producing 9,925 horsepower,
07:36for a total output of approximately 22,000 horsepower,
07:40providing enough power to propel this floating palace across oceans with remarkable efficiency,
07:44considering its massive displacement and luxury appointments.
07:47This enables the Al-Sayed to achieve a top speed of 22,
07:5125.2 knots with a cruising speed of 14,
07:5318 knots that balances performance with fuel efficiency for extended voyages.
07:58The yacht's impressive range of up to 7,700 nautical miles ensures capability for extended ocean voyages spanning continents,
08:06making it suitable for both regional Arabian Gulf travel and international diplomatic missions requiring weeks at sea without refueling.
08:13The vessel can accommodate up to 70 guests in 26, 35 staterooms with some configurations allowing for full cruising capacity of 188 guests during special events,
08:24demonstrating remarkable flexibility for different types of royal entertaining.
08:28A crew of 154, 174 members ensures exceptional service levels that maintain the highest standards expected for royal and diplomatic functions,
08:37with crew-to-guest ratios exceeding those of the world's finest luxury resorts.
08:42The yacht's most distinctive feature is its remarkable concert hall,
08:45setting it apart from virtually every other private yacht in the world.
08:48This performance area is capable of hosting a 50-piece orchestra,
08:52complete with specialized acoustics for live music events that transform the vessel into a floating cultural center rivaling land-based concert venues.
09:01The owner's suite includes a 50-square-meter stateroom, 40-square-meter dressing room,
09:05jacuzzi-equipped bathroom, private office and living room,
09:08creating accommodations that rival the finest royal palaces.
09:11The Al-Sayed's construction cost was estimated between 300-600 million dollars,
09:17with annual running costs of approximately 50-80 million dollars,
09:20covering everything from crew salaries to fuel and maintenance.
09:24The yacht is frequently accompanied by its support vessel,
09:27the 164-meter Fulk Al-Salemar,
09:29creating a floating fleet that ensures complete operational independence and luxury support,
09:34systems rivaling small navies in capability and sophistication.
09:37From the grandeur of Oman's Maritime Palace,
09:39we now turn our attention to the skies,
09:42where Russia's answer to Air Force One soars with its own blend of luxury and military might.
09:47The Flying Kremlin, Russia's Ilyushin 96-300PU
09:50Russia's Ilyushin Il-96-300PU,
09:54known colloquially as the Flying Kremlin,
09:56represents the ultimate fusion of opulence, functionality and security in presidential air transport,
10:02embodying Russian engineering prowess and self-reliance in aviation technology,
10:06while serving as a mobile command center of unprecedented luxury.
10:09The designation PU stands for punct-upravlenia, meaning command post,
10:14emphasizing the aircraft's role as a mobile command center
10:17that seamlessly blends luxury with critical governmental functions
10:20for extended international missions,
10:23operated by the Special Flight Squadron under the state transport company Rossiya.
10:27This aircraft serves President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials
10:30for diplomatic missions,
10:32including the recent Alaska summit on August 15, 2025,
10:36where it demonstrated Russian aviation capabilities under international scrutiny.
10:40First introduced in the early 2000s during Boris Yeltsin's era,
10:44the presidential fleet has grown to at least five aircraft,
10:47with the latest addition in 2021,
10:49reflecting the critical importance of presidential air transport
10:52in Russian governance and international diplomacy,
10:55while ensuring redundancy and security
10:57through multiple available aircraft for decoy operations and maintenance scheduling.
11:01Measuring 55.35 meters in length with a wingspan of 60.12 meters,
11:07the aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 250 tons,
11:10representing substantial engineering capability for Russian aviation industry.
11:14Powered by four Aviad Vigatel PS90A turbofan engines,
11:19each providing up to 35,000 pounds of thrust,
11:22the aircraft achieves a top speed of Mach 0.84,
11:25demonstrating impressive performance capabilities
11:28that enable rapid response to international crises.
11:31The aircraft's range extends up to 10,000,
11:3413,000 kilometers without refueling,
11:36enabling direct flights between Moscow and virtually any major world capital
11:40without dependency on foreign refueling infrastructure.
11:43The neoclassical-style interiors, designed by artist Ivan Glazunov,
11:47feature leather furniture, walnut veneers, intricate woodwork, marble accents,
11:51and gold trimmings with Russian tricolor highlights,
11:54creating what observers describe as a flying palace
11:57that contrasts sharply with more restrained Western presidential aircraft designs.
12:02A master bedroom features a king-sized bed and relaxation room,
12:05complemented by multiple shower facilities,
12:07ensuring comfortable rest during extended international travel,
12:11requiring multiple time zone adjustments.
12:13The aircraft includes a fully-equipped mini-gym featuring three cross-trainers
12:17valued at up to $3,000 each,
12:19a treadmill, weight bench, and punching bag,
12:22ensuring that the president can maintain physical fitness regimens
12:25even during extended diplomatic travel.
12:27Bathrooms feature gold-laden fixtures,
12:29including a toilet and sink estimated at $75,000,
12:33demonstrating attention to luxury details
12:35that extend to every aspect of the aircraft's appointment,
12:38and reflecting Russian craftsmanship in precious metals.
12:41Defensive measures include laser anti-missile protection,
12:44radar jamming coating, anti-aircraft defense systems,
12:47and electronics hardened against electromagnetic pulses,
12:50transforming the aircraft from luxury transport into flying fortress.
12:54State-of-the-art secure communication systems
12:56enable global encrypted communication and in-flight command capabilities,
13:00including rumored nuclear command capabilities,
13:03ensuring that critical governmental operations can continue seamlessly
13:06during international crises or extended diplomatic missions requiring weeks of travel.
13:11From Russia's Flying Palace,
13:12we turn our attention to the ultimate symbol of American presidential power in the skies.
13:18The Flying White House, USA's VC-25, Air Force One.
13:22No single plane commands more recognition than the United States VC-25,
13:27universally known as Air Force One when carrying the president.
13:30This extraordinary aircraft embodies American technological supremacy and global leadership,
13:36while serving as the most recognized symbol of executive power in aviation history.
13:40The aircraft represents far more than luxury transportation.
13:44It embodies democratic values and constitutional continuity of government during times of crisis.
13:49The VC-25 is a highly modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft
13:54designed specifically for presidential transport,
13:57operated by the U.S. Air Force with modifications so extensive
14:01they required complete rebuilding of the aircraft's interior systems.
14:05Spanning approximately 4,000 square feet of interior space across three levels,
14:09the aircraft can accommodate up to 102 passengers and 26,
14:1330 crew members while maintaining the highest levels of security.
14:16Communication capability and luxury comfort expected for the leader of the free world.
14:22The security arrangements reflect the critical importance of protecting the president during travel,
14:26with multiple layers of protection and redundant systems
14:29ensuring operational capability under any circumstances.
14:33The two current VC-25A aircraft,
14:36bearing tail numbers SAM-28000 and SAM-29000,
14:41entered service in 1990 and have served through multiple administrations,
14:45witnessing historic moments including the September 11th attacks
14:48when the aircraft served as an airborne command center.
14:51The communications capability includes 240 miles of wiring,
14:5585 telephones including encrypted lines,
14:58multi-frequency radios,
15:0020 television screens and systems for broadcasting or video conferencing,
15:04creating technological infrastructure that rivals the White House Situation Room
15:08in capability and security.
15:10The presidential suite includes a stateroom with a bed, sofa, dressing room and lavatory,
15:15with shower facilities providing private accommodations
15:17that ensure rest and privacy during extended international missions.
15:21The presidential office features a large desk, leather chairs, sofas
15:25and upgraded telecommunications for secure national addresses,
15:28enabling the president to address the nation or conduct international diplomacy
15:32from 40,000 feet above the earth,
15:34with broadcast quality comparable to television studios.
15:37A fully equipped operating room includes a defibrillator, blood supplies,
15:41emergency first aid equipment and surgical capabilities,
15:44ensuring that medical emergencies can be addressed with hospital-level care
15:47regardless of the aircraft's location.
15:50Two large galleys can prepare gourmet meals for 100 people simultaneously,
15:54while storing food supplies for up to 2,000 meals,
15:57with presidential chefs maintaining White House culinary standards,
16:01even at altitude using specialized equipment designed for aviation use.
16:05The aircraft is hardened against electromagnetic pulses through armoured plating,
16:09shielded electronics and armoured glass windows ensuring survival during nuclear events.
16:14Defence systems include electronic countermeasures, infrared countermeasures,
16:18chaff and flare dispensers providing protection against surface-to-air missile threats,
16:22while maintaining the aircraft's ability to serve as a flying command centre
16:26during the most serious national security crises.
16:28Speaking of presidential aircraft with fascinating histories,
16:31our next story takes us to a Boeing 787 with a controversial past.
16:37The controversial Dreamliner, Mexico's, now Tajikistan's, Boeing 787-8.
16:43The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with serial number 40693
16:48tells one of the most politically charged stories in presidential aviation,
16:52transforming from Mexico's symbol of excess to Tajikistan's flying palace,
16:56while demonstrating how luxury aircraft can become lightning rods for political controversy
17:01and symbols of governmental priorities.
17:03Originally purchased in 2012 for approximately $218 million by then-president Felipe Calderon
17:09as a replacement for an aging Boeing 757,
17:13the aircraft represented Mexico's aspirations for modern presidential transport capability.
17:18The aircraft was delivered in 2016 during Enrique Peña Nieto's presidency,
17:22and named José María Morelos y Pavón, after a Mexican independence hero,
17:27establishing its role as a symbol of national sovereignty
17:30and presidential dignity on the international stage.
17:33Current Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador,
17:36who took office in 2018, refused to use it,
17:39calling it pharaonic, ostentatious, and an insult to the people,
17:43noting it was more luxurious than the U.S. president's Air Force One,
17:46and inconsistent with his populist political philosophy,
17:49emphasizing austerity and connection with common citizens.
17:53He made multiple attempts to sell it,
17:55including offers to leaders like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Justin Trudeau,
17:59demonstrating the challenges of selling such specialized aircraft
18:02in the international market where few buyers exist for presidential-level luxury aircraft.
18:07From April 2022, it was rented out for private events like weddings,
18:11to offset maintenance costs exceeding $15 million annually,
18:14creating the unusual spectacle of a presidential aircraft serving as a luxury event venue
18:19for wealthy private clients.
18:21After failed sales attempts, it was sold in April 2023 to the government of Tajikistan
18:26for $92 million, representing significant depreciation from its original cost,
18:31but providing Mexico with funds for hospital construction,
18:34as promised by López Obrador during his presidency.
18:37The interior was custom-designed as a VIP configuration by Boeing,
18:41accommodating only about 80 passengers compared to a commercial 787's 240-plus capacity,
18:47prioritizing space and luxury over efficiency.
18:50The presidential suite includes a king-sized bed, dedicated office, meeting room,
18:54full-size private bathroom with shower,
18:56and even a treadmill, providing accommodations that rival five-star hotel.
19:00Suites while maintaining all necessary functionality for governmental operations
19:04during extended international travel, requiring days of flight time and multiple stops.
19:09Multiple seating zones feature conference tables with quad-style groupings around wood-finished tables,
19:14grey and green reclining chairs equipped with individual entertainment systems,
19:19creating flexible workspaces for diplomatic teams and staff.
19:22The cabin includes leather furniture, gold-trimmed accents,
19:26and spacious layouts described as more extravagant than former U.S. President Obama's plane,
19:30demonstrating the level of luxury that sparked political controversy,
19:34and debates about appropriate spending on presidential transportation in developing nations.
19:39Since delivery on May 15, 2023,
19:42the aircraft has been operational as Tajikistan's flagship presidential jet,
19:46serving President Emomali Rahmon for international diplomatic missions.
19:50From this politically charged aircraft,
19:52we turn to a yacht steeped in both luxury and scandal.
19:55The Palace of Controversies, Turkey's Savarona Yacht.
19:58The Savarona is a historic superyacht that embodies timeless luxury
20:03while carrying one of the most dramatic and controversial histories in yachting,
20:07serving as Turkey's presidential vessel through decades of triumph and scandal
20:11that have shaped its legendary status in maritime history.
20:14Built in 1931 by Blom plus Voss in Hamburg, Germany,
20:18it was commissioned by American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwallader
20:21and her husband Richard M. Cadwallader at a cost of approximately $4 million,
20:25representing one of the most ambitious yacht projects of the pre-war era.
20:29In 1938, the Turkish government purchased it for $1.2 million
20:33and gifted it to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
20:37Establishing its role as a symbol of Turkish independence and modernization
20:40under the Republic's founding father,
20:42who envisioned Turkey as a modern, westernized nation,
20:45Atatürk spent only six weeks aboard before his death later that year,
20:49making his brief time on the yacht historically significant
20:52as among his final acts as Turkey's transformational leader.
20:55A devastating fire in October 1979 gutted the interior,
20:59leaving it abandoned for nearly a decade as a haunting reminder of maritime disasters
21:03that can befall even the most magnificent vessels
21:06when proper maintenance and security systems fail.
21:09In 1989, Turkish businessman Karaman Sadiqoglu leased it for 49 years
21:14and invested $45 million in a three-year refit that restored it to operational condition
21:20with modern systems while preserving historical authenticity.
21:23It operated as a charter yacht until 2010,
21:26when a scandal involving allegations of prostitution and human trafficking
21:29led to a raid and lease termination,
21:32creating international headlines that damaged Turkey's reputation
21:35and led to criminal investigations involving high-profile individuals.
21:38Measuring 136 meters in length with a beam of 16 meters
21:42and displacing 4,701 gross tons,
21:46representing remarkable engineering achievement for 1930s construction technology.
21:51The yacht is powered by twin-caterpillar 3,608-dita diesel engines,
21:56producing 1,840 gp each,
21:59achieving 16 knots cruising and 18 knots maximum speed
22:02while maintaining fuel efficiency appropriate for extended voyages
22:06across the Mediterranean and beyond,
22:08demonstrating successful integration of modern propulsion systems
22:11with classic hull design.
22:13The interior blends art deco elegance with modern luxury,
22:16featuring rich wood paneling, polished marble,
22:19330 tons total including 72 tons in the hammam,
22:22and gilded accents that create an atmosphere of opulent grandeur.
22:26The vessel accommodates up to 34 guests
22:28in 17 individually themed double suites,
22:30each designed with unique artistic elements
22:33that reflect different cultural influences and historical periods,
22:36making every accommodation a distinct luxury experience.
22:39The iconic 86-meter gold-trimmed staircase
22:42with an ornate bronze banister spans multiple decks
22:45serving as the yacht's central architectural feature.
22:47Wellness facilities include a floor-heated Turkish marble hammam,
22:51two saunas, two steam rooms, massage room, beauty salon and gymnasium,
22:55providing spa-level amenities that rival the world's finest resort destinations,
22:59while maintaining authentic Turkish bathing traditions in a maritime setting.
23:03A major refit from 2019 to 2024 addressed structural issues,
23:07removing asbestos, replacing non-standard cables and pipes,
23:10repairing hull cracks and overhauling engines,
23:12ensuring the yacht's seaworthiness for another generation of service.
23:16From Turkey's restored palace, we journey to China's answer to Air Force One.
23:21The Dragon's Wings, China's Boeing 747-8.
23:24China's presidential air transport represents a fascinating blend
23:28of American aerospace technology and Chinese sovereign requirements,
23:32embodied in the Boeing 747-8 with registration B-2479
23:38that serves as President Xi Jinping's primary aircraft
23:41for international state visits while symbolizing.
23:43China's growing global influence and technological sophistication.
23:47The B-2479 was manufactured in November 2014
23:52and delivered to Air China on December 29, 2014
23:55as part of China's broader modernization of presidential transportation capabilities.
24:00It underwent extensive VIP modifications in Hamburg, Germany,
24:04from May 2015 to July 2016,
24:07including cabin reconfiguration for presidential needs,
24:10requiring collaboration between Chinese security officials and German engineers
24:14to create specialized systems,
24:16meeting China's unique requirements for presidential protection
24:20and communication capabilities.
24:22Delays in deployment were due to rigorous testing,
24:25retrofitting and security concerns,
24:27echoing past issues including a 2001 Boeing 767-300ER order
24:32that was scrapped after discovering alleged listening devices,
24:36demonstrating China's heightened security consciousness
24:38regarding foreign manufactured aircraft.
24:40By 2017, it was ready for exclusive head of state transport,
24:44with recent examples including Xi Jinping's 2024 South American tour,
24:49covering thousands of miles across multiple continents and time zones
24:52while maintaining secure communication with Beijing throughout the journey.
24:56As a 747-8 intercontinental,
24:59it has a length of 76.3 meters, wingspan of 68.4 meters,
25:04and can accommodate up to 467 passengers in commercial configuration.
25:08But the VIP setup prioritizes fewer seats for more space
25:12and enhanced security systems.
25:14Powered by four General Electric Gen X 2B67 engines
25:18providing 66,500 pounds of thrust each,
25:21with a range of up to 14,320 kilometers,
25:25enabling non-stop flights between Beijing
25:27and virtually any major world capital,
25:29reducing dependency on foreign refueling infrastructure,
25:32and maintaining operational security
25:34during sensitive diplomatic missions.
25:36Details on the interior are limited due to state secrecy,
25:40but the VIP configuration emphasizes luxury and functionality
25:43for diplomatic travel,
25:45befitting the leader of the world's most populous nation.
25:47Key features include a luxurious master suite
25:50that doubles as an executive office,
25:52a spacious main lounge for ministers and aides,
25:54an on-board medical center,
25:56and a secret service command room
25:57providing comprehensive facilities
25:59for extended international travel,
26:01while maintaining the security protocols
26:03required for China's paramount leader and his delegation.
26:06The interior is tailored for comfort and productivity,
26:09earning the nickname Flying Zhongnanhai,
26:12referring to China's leadership compound and emphasizing.
26:15The aircraft's role is an airborne extension
26:17of Chinese governmental power.
26:19Enhanced communication systems enable
26:21real-time conferencing and command,
26:23plus in-flight Wi-Fi,
26:24evident from a visible dome on the aircraft,
26:26ensuring continuous connectivity
26:28with Chinese government necks
26:29and international diplomatic channels
26:31during extended overseas missions
26:33requiring coordination with multiple time zones.
26:36Our final destination takes us
26:38to the oldest active superyacht in the world,
26:40a vessel that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires.
26:44The Eternal Palace, Egypt's El-Mahrussa yacht.
26:47El-Mahrussa, often hailed as the world's oldest active superyacht,
26:51represents the ultimate fusion of historical significance
26:53and enduring luxury that has survived revolutions, wars
26:57and the collapse of empires.
26:58Built in 1865 by the Samouda Brothers in London
27:01for Khadiv Ismail Pasha
27:03at a cost of approximately $4 million,
27:06it was designed by British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang,
27:09modelled after Queen Victoria's HMY Victoria and Albert,
27:12establishing it as a vessel worthy of royalty
27:15from its very conception.
27:16Yacht Marrussa has maintained an imminent status
27:20over the past 150 years
27:23through which it has been a partner
27:26in Egyptian modern history and critical events.
27:29The yacht's construction represented Egypt's aspirations for modernity
27:33and its determination to project power on the international stage
27:37during the height of the Ottoman Empire's decline.
27:40This historic moment established the yacht's role
27:42in one of the most significant engineering achievements of the 19th century,
27:46connecting Europe and Asia,
27:47while demonstrating Egypt's central role in global commerce and navigation.
27:51The yacht played pivotal roles throughout history,
27:53carrying Khadiv Ismail to exile in 1879,
27:57Khadiv Abbas Helmi II in 1914,
27:59and King Farouk I and his son Fuad II in 1952,
28:04marking the end of the Muhammad Ali dynasty
28:06during Egypt's transformation from monarchy to republic.
28:09Renamed El Horea, Freedom in 1952,
28:12it joined the Egyptian navy
28:13and was used by presidents like Gamal Abdel Nasser
28:16and Anwar Sadat for diplomatic trips
28:18including historic peace negotiations
28:20that reshaped Middle Eastern politics
28:22and established Egypt's role as a regional power broker,
28:26currently measuring approximately 150.57 meters in length
28:30after multiple extensions,
28:32with a beam of 13 meters
28:33and displacing 4,561 gross tons,
28:37making it the 8th and 10th longest yacht worldwide
28:39and the oldest operational superyacht still in active service.
28:43Originally paddlewheel-powered,
28:45it was converted to triple-screw propellers
28:46with Parsons steam turbines in 1905,
28:49achieving 16 knots cruising speed,
28:51while maintaining the elegant lines and proportions
28:54that made it a masterpiece
28:55of Victorian-era naval architecture
28:57and engineering excellence.
28:59The interiors embody Egyptian-themed luxury,
29:02incorporating motifs from ancient civilizations
29:04with ornate detailing including intricate balustrades,
29:08monogrammed gilt and burgundy chairs
29:10and heavily panelled wood walls,
29:12creating an atmosphere
29:13that celebrates Egypt's pharaonic heritage
29:15while embracing European luxury standards.
29:18The piano gifted by Empress Eugénie de Montijo in 1869
29:22remains preserved on board,
29:23serving as a tangible connection
29:25to the yacht's illustrious past
29:26and the European royalty
29:28who once graced its decks
29:29during the height of 19th-century diplomatic elegance.
29:32This symbolic moment demonstrated
29:34the yacht's enduring significance
29:36as a vessel of state
29:37and its role in Egypt's national consciousness
29:39during periods of both triumph and adversity.
29:42The yacht has undergone extensive modernizations,
29:45including lengthening by 12 meters in 1872,
29:48rebuilding in Scotland in 1905
29:50with an additional 5-meter extension,
29:52and conversion from coal to diesel fuel in 1919,
29:56requiring another 8-meter lengthening
29:58ensuring its technological relevance
30:00across different eras of maritime engineering.
30:02A fifth floor was added in 1949,
30:05and major maintenance occurred in 1987,
30:07demonstrating Egypt's continued commitment
30:09to preserving this floating piece of national heritage
30:11for future generations.
30:13This restoration of its original name
30:15symbolized Egypt's embrace of its historical legacy
30:18and the yacht's continued role
30:19as a symbol of national pride.
30:21As of August 2025,
30:23El-Mahrussa remains active
30:24under the Egyptian navy's care,
30:26primarily birthed in Alexandria,
30:28and used sparingly for naval ceremonies
30:30and special events
30:31that honor Egypt's maritime heritage.
30:33The yacht typically goes to sea
30:34no more than three times annually,
30:36preserving its condition
30:37while maintaining its role
30:39as Egypt's presidential yacht
30:40for occasions that require
30:42the gravitas and historical significance
30:44that only this remarkable vessel can provide.
30:47If you enjoyed watching this video,
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