Source:Â www.zawya.com
One of the world’s most iconic ships, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE 2), post its transformation into a 5-star hotel, may once again be moored on the shores of Dubai if the UAE wins its bid to host the World Expo 2020, Emirates 24|7 can reveal.
“Dubai is the base city for QE 2, so everything is possible, we may even have a surprise for Dubai Expo 2020,” Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World said, when asked if there were any plans to bring back the ocean liner.
However, he refuted claims that UK investors were in talks with Dubai to moor QE 2 in London, emphasising that the plans unveiled in January this year were intact.
“We have announced our plans on January 2013 to convert QE 2 into a luxurious floating 5-star hotel.”
Official Nakheel Edit
In the announcement, earlier this year, it was said the cruise liner would be transformed into a 500-room luxury hotel and moved to Asia.
However, no location was given.
“QE 2 will become a 500-room luxury hotel after undergoing checks in Dubai,” a statement had said.
Asked if work had commenced on QE 2, Buamim said that, preparatory work to overhaul the engines and turbines had started after completion of the work to bring the vessel back to class.
“At the same time design, interiors and materials are underway to ensure conversion work start once it reaches Asia,” he said, adding that ship will be converted into a luxury hotel by 2014.
The Oceanic Group, a group of experienced advisers to cruise operators and managers in Asia, are lead managing the project.
QE 2’s new renovation plans include a shopping mall, a QE 2 Café offering meals similar to those served during cruises, three Michelin-starred restaurants, convention and meeting facilities and an onboard maritime museum displaying QE 2 and Dubai memorabilia.
It was for the first time in July 2012 that plans were announced to keep QE 2 in Dubai as a hotel and part of a maritime centre. More info
