Dubai may not be permanent QE2 home
Ferry Online Travel News 16/07/2009
The QE2’s new owner is said to be looking at options that might see the famous ocean liner become a floating hotel.
It’s possible that the ship would be located at port in Africa or a port in the Middle East other than Dubai.
Nakheel, the owner of the QE2, said to The Associated Press that there was interest by other countries in hosting the ship, and that these other possibilities were being considered before a decision was made about the refurbishment planned.
The property developer, based in Dubai, had originally planned to begin the ship’s renovations when it arrived in port last November, which would see it turned into an upscale hotel.
According to Nakheel, the company is attempting “to ensure opportunities to experience QE2 in her current condition are maximised whilst ensuring her important heritage is at all times protected.”
Business Day, a South African newspaper, reported that a spokesman for the country’s tourism department said Nakheel has applied to locate the QE2 at the Cape Town port.
The fate of the QE2 and the finances of the property developer are closely linked, and Nakheel is said to be struggling recently due to the downturn in Dubai’s real estate market and the impact of the global economic downturn.
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