July 2, 2012

Finally. Plans to turn QE2 into a luxury hotel in Dubai going ahead.

Finally Cunard's iconic ship Queen Elizabeth 2 will have a life after her retirement. Plans have been announced to turn the ship into a hotel.


The QE2 after many years languishing in Dubai after the Financial Crisis scuppered plans that the buyer, who had paid $100 million for the ship, originally had for the ship are being revisited. A formal announcement was made today (2 July 2012).



PORT RASHID TO BE NEW PERMANENT HOME OF QE2, DUBAI MARITIME MUSEUM PLANNED

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 2, 2012:- Istithmar World, DP World and the QE2 management today (July 2) announced the iconic QE2 is to have a permanent home at the heart of Port Rashid, the hub of cruising in the Middle East.

The vessel will be moored next to the original cruise terminal at Port Rashid and converted into a 300 room luxury hotel, with top quality lifestyle facilities, while the terminal itself will be developed into a maritime museum.

Once converted, the QE2 will once again display the ship’s collection of art works and other historical assets acquired during nearly four decades as one of the world’s leading ocean-going cruise liners.

The 293-metre long vessel, which in its heyday could accommodate more than 2,900 people, together with the connected maritime museum, will be a leading tourist attraction at Port Rashid and add further to the attractions it offers as the leading cruise destination in the Middle East. DP World has been expanding Port Rashid’s capacity to cater for the growing demand for cruise tourism.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Istithmar World, said:
“The QE2 will be at the heart of Dubai in its permanent position at Port Rashid and contribute to the growth of Dubai as the city continues to develop and expand as a top tourist destination. The vessel is truly iconic and has a huge following around the world. Our vision is to enhance the facilities on board but retain the very strong sense of history that is a fundamental part of her attraction. Having the QE2 moored as a floating, top class hotel, right on the waterfront in the centre of Dubai, will also add further life and activity to the surrounding area.”

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region said:
“We are delighted that the QE2 will be the centrepiece of Port Rashid. Together with the planned Maritime Museum, it reinforces Port Rashid and Dubai’s status as a leading cruise and maritime tourism destination. We are excited about the potential for Port Rashid to further develop as a tourist destination in its own right.”

Leili Gerami, Spokesperson and Project Director, QE2, said:
“Even in its retirement the QE2’s majestic profile continues to attract much attention and there is considerable interest and enthusiasm for the next phase of her long life. It is our desire to tap into the continued public fascination for the great passenger
liner and its amazing history as a cruise ship with unrivalled luxury, style and prestige. We believe the hotel on board the QE2 will be one of the finest anywhere.”

She added that the museum and redevelopment of the QE2 are expected to be completed within 18 months. In the meantime, the QE2 will continue to operate as an exciting venue for exclusive events. 



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