QE2 sold to Dubai hotel group

This on thisismoney.co.uk announcing the final cruise for QE2 in 2008

"The QE2 has been sold for £100m and is to be turned into a hotel in Dubai.

The ocean liner was bought by the giant Gulf holding company Dubai World. It will be revamped into a five-star hotel and permanently moored off the man-made island The Palm.

It will feature a cinema, theatre, spa, several designer boutiques and a museum charting its 40-year history as the longest-serving ship of the Cunard line.

However the ship's new owners say its casino, The Player's Club, will have to go because of the country's strict anti-gambling laws.

Cunard is to deliver the ship to Dubai World in November next year, and the company will construct a special pier where the ship will open in its new incarnation the following year.
Alan Rogers, Director of Dubai World, said: 'We hope we can give this great ship a new lease of life and maintain its wonderful heritage.

'The Palm will be the centre of tourism in Dubai and the QE2 will be a luxury hotel, entertainment and tourist destination.

'We will completely refurbish it, and while we may have to upgrade some of the technology, we want the decor and fittings to encompass the unique history of the ship. It will all be carried out with complete integrity.

'We hope people will see it as a lovely place to stay - even for a night or a luxury weekend break.'
He said: 'There is currently a casino on the ship but that will have to be removed as gambling is illegal in Dubai.'

Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: 'QE2 is without a doubt one of the wondersof the maritime world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the world today.
'Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished.'

The QE2 was launched by the Queen in 1967 and was the last liner to be built on the Clyde.
Cunard president and managing director Carol Marlow said: 'We are delighted that, when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends, there will continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history.'
The Palm - one of three palm tree shaped man-made islands off Dubai's coast, is already partly open.

Properties have proved particularly popular with England footballers. David Beckham, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Kieron Dyer, David James, Wayne Bridge and Gary Neville all have homes there. "