2:44pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
By Keith Hamilton
THE boss of the firm which is taking the Southampton liner Queen Elizabeth 2 to the Middle East has spoken publicly about the move for the first time.
Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, the organisation that bought the ship for £50m, has already visited Southampton to tour QE2 while she was between voyages.
The Sultan met the liner's crew and management as plans were finalised for the one-way voyage to Dubai. Once in place QE2 will be permanently moored alongside Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island, and be used as a luxury hotel, retail and leisure destination.
A company called QE2 Enterprises has been established to oversee the refurbishment of the vessel, and create, what the future new owners claim will be "an unmatched experience of luxury in Dubai with QE2 as it's centrepiece.'' Plans are also in hand to develop and install an on-board museum dedicated to the liner's history and heritage.
Sultan Bin Sulayem said: "As a nation with a long maritime history, we in Dubai value the rich heritage of QE2.
"After four decades of glorious service, the most celebrated ship of the 20th century may be considered too old for the seas, but she is not old enough to retire just yet. She is still legendary, and her name continues to evoke dreams.
"That is why Dubai World decided to inherit the QE2 and make a permanent home for her at Palm Jumeirah.
"This not only provides a sustainable future for one of the brightest stars of the global tourism and leisure industry, but also takes us one step further in making Dubai a truly global tourism destination.'' The arrival of QE2 in Dubai is seen by the emirate as a major boost to links between Dubai and the UK.
Mark Beer, chairman of the British Business Group in Dubai, said: "QE2 will help to reinforce commercial relations between the two countries and increase the number of UK tourists.'' The Queen, who originally launched and named the liner in 1967, will be in Southampton, on Monday, June 2, for a nostalgic visit to the ship where she will be guest-of-honour.
QE2 leaves Southampton for the last time early on Tuesday, November 11. Cunard has yet to announce detailed arrangements but when tickets went on sale, they sold out in 37 minutes.
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