US Aircraft Carrier-Inspired UAE One Megayacht Is So Big It Could Be Its Own Country

Folks, Enzo Manca, is an Italian yacht designer with a knack for envisioning some of the world's most disruptive and next-level concepts I've seen in quite some time. But, while his work may come across as something else, it's not so far from what is actually possible in the real world; they have a touch of realism to them. Such is the case with the UAE One, the floating dream before us today.

As the title of this article has led you to believe, the UAE One is indeed inspired by aircraft carriers native to the US Navy. Over the course of two years, Manca aimed for a ship that could offer the ultimate in privacy, luxury, lifestyle, and above all, to be built like a brick, one that floats, obviously.

Sure, at first, it may seem as though such a machine could never be brought to life, but when you've got a billion to spare, limits are only meant to be broken. Furthermore, real ships currently floating around the world showcase aspects of the UAE One's design, leading me to believe that someday, this ship could really be seen floating around international waters.

Now, the UAE One is a massive ship, coming in with a length of 140 m (459 ft) and a beam of 28 m (92 ft) with nine decks. Let me say that again: nine decks! That's already cruise ship status. Furthermore, over those decks, Manca integrates 35 cabins for 65 crew members, 14 mini apartments, 5 "super suites," 8 master staterooms, and three meeting rooms. Oh, and for those that raise a "call to action" on a daily basis, there's a press area.

And honestly, we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of this machine and all that it's meant to offer. The renderings we see showcase not one but two dedicated heliports and even a third in the shape of a garage. Heck, with over 2,800 sq m (30,139 sq ft) of just the main deck alone, there's no telling what else you can land on this thing.

As for another trick up the UAE One's sleeve, it also contains a mini-port. But the real ticket item here is the personal submarine that's in place. Think about the adventures you can take in something like this. Check out the underwater wildlife of Antarctica, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Bahamas all over the course of a one-month trip.

A few other amenities guests and owners can look forward to are spaces like a spa, gym, and countless other nooks and crannies tucked away here and there for ultimate privacy. Be sure to picture yourself cruising into port sitting in that bow lounge, fit with its own firepit. Another massive observation lounge is spotted at the rear of UAE One, too.

Now, when I first saw this ship's caboose, I couldn't help but be reminded of the entrances to concert halls and other high-society buildings and events. Heck, picture yourself as a guest on this ship, and after getting out of a multi-million-dollar tender, you take your first steps upon this ship and say hello to your home for the next few days or weeks. Looming helicopters tell you that this is no ordinary experience.

However, the UAE One isn't all about looks and the luxuries found aboard; it's also about technology and the green revolution. According to Manca's presentation page, this ship is to be fitted - if he ever seizes $543 million from some oil sheik - with state-of-the-art navigational systems, the peak in stabilization tech, and satellite communication, ensuring constant and open communication with the landlocked world.

Regarding propulsion and life-sustaining systems, not much is said except that this floating castle is to be equipped with the latest in green and emission-reduction tech, including tapping into renewable resources. But, at this stage, no one really knows what those systems may be or what manufacturers are supplying them.

This brings me to the last and final aspect of the UAE One: because it's a concept, Manca hasn't developed an interior from which we can draw conclusions regarding the life owners will lead aboard. Why? Two reasons: Manca doesn't seem to be an interior designer, and if he is, he's holding out on us, and two, if, I repeat, if an owner ever steps up to this over-half-a-billion-dollar dream's plate and pays the price, they'll surely change the interior to best suite their lifestyle.

But, as much as I like to dream, I'm not sure we'll ever see such a machine floating around the world. Why? There's just so much work and logistics to go into such a project, and by the time it's done and with the volatility of the current economy, that price tag I mentioned is bound to change, pushing away most future buyers.

Still, it's concepts and designs like the UAE One that have us pushing the bounds of what's possible. If we can't do it now, in just a few years, technology will have advanced so much that we're sure to be able to build such amazing structures.