QE2 berth on eastern edge of Palm Jumeirah

Nakheel has revealed the new home for the world famous cruise liner, QE2, as the anchor of a luxurious marina development on the eastern trunk side of The Palm Jumeirah.

This has been seen by industry observers as one of the most effective marketing moves by Nakheel, one of the largest real estate developers. It is developing an iconic portfolio of innovative landmark projects in Dubai and also in key markets around the world in various sectors such as residential, commercial, hotels, retail, and leisure. Nakheel's projects are estimated to be worth about $80 billion (Dh662bn). Upon completion, Nakheel's waterfront projects will have added more than 1,000km of shoreline to Dubai's coastline.

Purchased last year by Nakheel's parent organisation, Dubai World, QE2 will embark on her ultimate journey from Southampton, England to Dubai in November. Nakheel will commence construction on her eventual home in September; a luxury marina development that will establish a cultural centre and tourist attraction on The Palm Jumeirah paying homage to the ocean liner.

QE2 will form the pinnacle of a palatial pier, which will stretch 300 metres out from the trunk into the waters of the Arabian Gulf. A grand entrance to the pier will provide the gateway to a luxury residential and hotel quarter, which will feature elegant apartments, a private club and restaurants, retail, wellness centre and gardens. A high-end yacht club will service a marina attached to the pier, giving residences on the trunk marina views.

Plans for the QE2 include its transformation into an ultra-luxury floating hotel, featuring public promenades, retail outlets, cafés and restaurants, as well as a heritage museum displaying artifacts from the QE2 and maritime history.

Johann Schumacher, Director of The Palm Jumeirah, says: "The arrival of QE2 is one of the most anticipated events of the year and Nakheel is proud to be the custodian of such a historic treasure. The world's most famous ocean liner will form the focal point of an exciting development that will be a must-see attraction on The Palm Jumeirah.

"QE2 will provide the third jewel in the crown of The Palm Jumeirah's world-class destination offerings and the perfect complement to Atlantis, Cirque du Soleil, and Trump International Hotel & Tower.

"Providing her with a permanent home in Dubai not only secures a sustainable future for one of the brightest stars of the global tourism and leisure industry, but also takes us one step further to making The Palm Jumeirah the centre of tourism entertainment in Dubai."

QE2 is arguably one of the world's most famous ships. She has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers including kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, astronauts and the Beatles. She survived a 95-ft wave during Hurricane Luis, carried 3000 troops to the Falklands War and rescued 500 passengers from a burning ship. She is a record breaker for speed and endurance, has featured in films and television shows and draws crowds to every port she docks in.

Reclamation for the pier is expected to finish by year-end, with the project scheduled for completion in 2011.

Meanwhile, Nakheel's Dubai portfolio includes The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, The Palm Deira, The World, Waterfront, The Universe, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Heights, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Furjan, International City, and Dragon Mart. Nakheel is a key entity within Dubai World – one of the world's largest holding companies and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Dubai Government across five continents.