One of the world’s best-known ships will start a new lease of life as a tourism destination tomorrow.
The Clyde-built QE2 will open its doors to the public as a floating hotel in Dubai.
PCFC Hotels – part of the Dubai government’s Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation – has reinvented the legendary vessel as the latest must-see attraction in a city state renowned for its opulence.
The world-famous cruise liner, whose history spans nearly five decades since her maiden voyage in 1969, is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid.
She will soon be welcoming passengers on board to experience her luxuriously restored rooms and suites, five of the planned 13 restaurants and bars, and a QE2 heritage exhibition.
PCFC Hotels chief executive Hamza Mustafa said: “To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team and I.
“It is one of Dubai’s most highly anticipated projects and we know that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see her for the first time, or to step back on board the vessel that created so many wonderful memories during her 40 years at sea.”
More than 2.7million man hours have been spent in transforming the ocean liner into a new 13-deck hotel, with 13 room and suite categories.
Tomorrow’s “soft” opening will be followed by an official launch in October.