Dubai eagerly anticipates arrival of QE2

Preparations are now underway for the arrival of world-famous ocean liner, the QE2.

The ship, purchased last year by Nakheel's parent company, Dubai World, has left the UK port of Southampton and is due to arrive at Dubai's Mina Rashid port later this month.

Manfred Ursprunger, CEO of QE2 Enterprises, Nakheel Hotels, said:

"The investment Nakheel will be making in the QE2 will ensure that she continues to be a beacon of sophistication for generations to come and maintains her rich heritage and iconic stature.

"QE2 has always been synonymous with luxury, elegance and exclusivity, and these are the characteristics that we are taking as the inspiration for her future.

We are proud to be the custodian of such a magnificent British icon and will utilize our resources to maintain the integrity and spirit of QE2, as envisioned by her original design team led by Dennis Lennon, and usher in the next exciting chapter of her rich and dignified life."

Once refurbished, the QE2, to be located on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah will become an ultra-luxury, floating hotel.

The QE2, arguably one of the world's most famous ships has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic around 800 times and has carried more than 2.5 million passengers.

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