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The senior Emirati official was spotted in Paroikia on Saturday night, where six black Mercedes vehicles transported him and his group through the island\u2019s main town.<\/p>\n
The presence of the 147 metre superyacht Opera, anchored off Alyki, provided a clue to the identity of the high profile visitor. The luxury vessel is estimated to be worth around \u20ac500 million.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Abdullah, a prominent member of Abu Dhabi\u2019s ruling Al Nahyan family, dined at Crios restaurant with approximately 30 guests. At least 10 members of his personal security team accompanied the group and maintained a discreet presence throughout the evening.<\/p>\n
The restaurant was reportedly reserved exclusively for the party, with only a small number of other tables occupied.<\/p>\n
Preparations for the dinner had begun in advance, with the sheikh\u2019s personal chef, Namig, visiting the restaurant several times to sample the menu and help select dishes according to the preferences of the Emirati delegation.<\/p>\n
The meal featured a selection of Greek inspired dishes, including dolmades, spanakopita and veal meatballs as starters. Main courses included steamed sea urchin, veal with orzo, slow roasted lamb and grilled goat. Chocolate dessert and seasonal fruit were served to finish the meal.<\/p>\n
Following dinner, Sheikh Abdullah and his guests returned to the waiting Mercedes vehicles before travelling to the coast, where tenders from Opera transported them back to the yacht.<\/p>\n
Opera later departed Paros and sailed towards Athens, docking at Flisvos Marina on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The 147 metre yacht was built by German shipbuilder L\u00fcrssen and reportedly delivered to Sheikh Abdullah around two years ago. The vessel is said to have cost approximately \u20ac400 million to build, although its estimated overall value has since been placed considerably higher.<\/p>\n
Opera can accommodate up to 36 guests in 18 suites and has a crew of up to 50. Its facilities include a gym, sauna, cinema and beauty salon. The yacht can reportedly reach a cruising speed of around 18 knots and has a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Abdullah, born in Abu Dhabi on April 30, 1972, is one of the senior members of the Al Nahyan family, which has ruled Abu Dhabi for decades. He has served as the UAE\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2006 and also holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister.<\/p>\n
He has repeatedly chosen Greece as a holiday destination, including Paros, which he also visited during the previous summer.<\/p>\n
The visit once again highlights the popularity of the Greek islands among some of the world\u2019s wealthiest travellers and owners of the largest private yachts.<\/p>\n