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28 March 2024

QE2 to move out from Dubai to Asia

Published
By Parag Deulgaonkar

Passenger liner Queen Elizabeth 2 will no longer be moored on Dubai shores but it will be transformed into a 500-room luxury floating hotel and moved to Asia.

“QE2 will become a 500-room luxury hotel after undergoing checks in Dubai,” a statement issued by QE2 owners said.

No details on the ship's destination in Asia were given. The map, however, shows the ship journey to China.

The Oceanic Group, a group of experienced advisers to cruise operators and managers in Asia, will take the lead in managing the project, while Drydocks Dubai will carry out extensive technical and operational checks to move her into Asia.

In July 2012, plans were announced to keep the vessel in Dubai as a hotel and part of a maritime center.

Istithmar World, a subsidiary of Dubai World, had bought the 293-metre long vessel from Cunard for around US$100 million in June 2007.

The cruise terminal at Port Rashid was set to become the liner’s permanent home after it was to be converted into a 300-room luxury hotel, with the terminal developed to include a maritime museum. The refurbishment work was expected to take 18 months to complete.