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June 18, 2007 -
Cunard Line today announced the sale of QE2 to Dubai World,
in a US$100 million deal which will turn the iconic liner
into a first-class tourism destination at The Palm Jumeirah
in Dubai.
QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World in November 2008, where
she will cease her role as an ocean-going passenger vessel
and be refurbished and adapted for her new home. From 2009,
the vessel will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier
to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment
destination at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest
man-made island.
The ship, which was launched by Her Majesty The Queen in
September 1967, 40 years ago this year, is the
longest-serving ship in Cunard's 168-year history, and was
their longest-serving flagship. Since she came into service
in 1969, she has undertaken 25 world cruises, has crossed
the Atlantic more than 800 times and has carried more than
2.5 million passengers.
QE2 has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of
Dubai World, a wholly owned company of the Government of
Dubai. Nakheel, developer of The Palm Jumeirah, is also a
Dubai World company.
Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard,
said:
"We are delighted that when her legendary career as an ocean
liner ends there will continue to be a permanent home for
her that will enable future generations to continue to
experience fully both the ship and her history."
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said:
"QE2 is without a doubt one of the wonders of the maritime
world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the
world today. I am delighted we will be able to create a home
for her on the newest wonder of the world, The Palm Jumeirah."
"QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will become one of the must-see
experiences of Dubai and of the Middle East. We are
investing in creating a truly global tourism destination."
"Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich
heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be
cherished."
Istithmar said its refurbishment programme will aim to
recreate QE2's original interior décor and fittings. QE2 at
The Palm Jumeirah will also include a museum celebrating the
rich history of the ship.
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The Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is currently the world's largest man-made
island and home to a residential, tourism and leisure
destination created by Nakheel. The Palm Jumeirah is a
landmark in engineering, providing luxury residences, retail
and leisure facilities across three main areas - the trunk,
the crescent, and the fronds. Over the next five to six
years, The Palm Jumeirah will become one of the world's
premier resorts, offering more than 30 beachfront hotels,
including Atlantis, The Palm. The 17 fronds which form the
head of The Palm Jumeirah will be home to some of the most
luxurious villas in the world each with its own beachfront.
Nakheel is one of the world's largest privately held real
estate developers, and a key player in realising the vision
of Dubai for the 21st century: creating a world class
destination for business and tourism. |
