By
Cherie Rowlands |
The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is to be converted into a luxury hotel at her final home in DP World’s Port Rashid in Dubai.
The 293-metre ship will become a 300-room hotel at the Middle Eastern port, while art works and other historical memorabilia collected from her 40 years of sailing will be exhibited on board.
QE2 project director Leili Gerami 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.”
As part of the redevelopment plans the port’s original cruise terminal, which lies adjacent to the QE2 mooring, is to become a maritime museum. Renovations are expected to be completed in 18 months, during which the Istithmar World-owned QE2 will be used as an exclusive events venue.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Istithmar World chairman said: “The QE2 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.”
Owned by Cunard from 1969 until she was retired in 2008, the QE2 was then sold to DP World’s investment arm, Istithmar World and has spent around three years at Port Rashid.
The regeneration plans are expected to help realise DP World’s vision of hosting seven ships simultaneously, up from its record of five, at the downtown port.