Exclusive accommodation for the elite when coming to watch the World Cup

One of many superyachts to enter Qatari waters since the World Cup began

The artificial island “The Pearl” is known as the “Arab Riviera” with clean streets, interspersed with luxury hotels with views of the marina.

This is now one of Doha's most exclusive areas. It opened in 2004 and is named after the traditional pearl diving industry that dominated the area before the discovery of oil, according to CNN.

Many people wearing designer clothes walked their dogs along the boardwalk, while others relaxed on the artificial beach near the harbor lined with gleaming yachts.

Many boats are permanently moored in the area, some coming to provide luxury accommodation for football fans looking for the ultimate World Cup experience.

World of the rich

Saluzi, which features graffiti-style designs on its side, is one such superyacht. It arrived in Doha on November 24, with 35 well-dressed and on-hand crew.

The cost of staying on Saluzi is nearly $500,000 a week. As soon as you step on board, you are invited to take off your shoes in exchange for white cotton slippers and are offered a drink.

From the Jacuzzi to the piano, this is a floating space with 3 floors for sleeping, playing and working.

Many outdoor areas have hot tubs. Guests can even play golf off the back of the boat, with balls that disintegrate into fish food when they hit the water.

In addition, diving instructors, swimming pools and card tables ensure that guests can never get bored.

Guests need to pay nearly $500,000/week to stay on the superyacht Saluzi. Each bedroom is designed in its own style.

“We can accommodate 32 guests but we rarely fill up,” says Saluzi captain Asparuh Chorbadzhiev. “For those who like privacy, they can book one or two cabins and bring a lot of support staff.”

Chorbadzhiev, who has worked and lived at sea for nearly 40 years, would not reveal who was on board during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, but said his guests were often celebrities or super-rich businessmen.

The captain proudly talks about the yacht’s distinctive design, from the novel gun-shaped lights that guests can turn on and off with a remote control, to the artwork that adorns the entrance wall. All are inspired by the yacht’s name, which comes from a legendary Chinese war horse.

A fully equipped gym is located opposite a luxurious spa with massage beds. The cruise ship even has a hair salon.

There are a total of 16 cabins on Saluzi, with VIP suites featuring balconies. There is also a study, cinema room and dining area.

According to Chorbadzhiev, the yacht also hosts karaoke parties.

All meals are prepared by the crew. The yacht is always spotlessly clean because when guests leave, the staff immediately restore it to perfect condition as new.

“Our yacht sails all over the world. It is usually in the Mediterranean every summer. Then in the winter we can go to the Far East or places like the Seychelles, the Maldives, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong or in the Gulf like here,” Chorbadzhiev said.

Superyacht Amenities for Tourists to Qatar to Watch the World Cup

According to Chorbadzhiev, the yacht was recently in Abu Dhabi to serve guests attending the Formula 1 race. When it arrived in Qatar, it arrived several days late due to the paperwork required to obtain an entry visa.

Now, in Doha, tourists can arrange for limousines to take them to the stadiums to watch the World Cup. They can also request a cruise that leaves the dock to see the city from afar.

According to BOAT Pro's Global Fleet Tracker, more than 20 superyachts have entered Qatari waters since the World Cup began, including vessels like Al Lusail and Alaiya, which are anchored around Doha.

A World Cup holiday on a superyacht offers something very different to other accommodation available to guests in the city.

From tents in the desert to the fringes of Doha, World Cup organizers have had to innovate in providing accommodation options for the estimated 1.5 million fans staying in the country smaller than the US state of Connecticut.

According to Zing