The QE2 has been moved to Dubai Drydocks World in preparation for what is believed to be her launch as a floating hotel at Port Rashid.
According to a post on the QE2 Story website, the famous ocean liner was towed to the drydock facility on Sunday by tugboats as her engines were no longer running. Photos and video of the move were also posted to the site.
Members of the website's forum expect the work to include “ship to hotel” conversion work, such as sealing underwater openings that are no longer required, making arrangements for permanent attachment to the Port Rashid dockside and a new paint job. It’s the ship’s first dry-docking since 2013 and her third while in Dubai.
It is yet unclear how long the work will take or the exact nature of it but some posts on the forum suggested a matter of weeks.
The move follows a string of developments over the past two years that point to the liner's imminent unveiling as a luxury floating hotel and museum as the crown jewel of a redeveloped Port Rashid.
In February, a new website - qe2.com - was launched promising a new take on hospitality for Dubai and it advertised for staff.
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Read more:
QE2 website launch suggests famous ocean liner will soon reopen as a Dubai hotel
In pictures: Take a tour of the QE2
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This announcement came as the Cunard Line flagship underwent a major refurbishment at Port Rashid where it has been docked since 2008. The vessel had been cleaned and the lifeboats removed and placed around the marina as a form of advertising. It is also thought that the interiors have had a complete overhaul.
The National visited the location last September as the ship celebrated the 50th anniversary of its launch. We found the old cruise terminal had been turned into a maritime museum featuring artworks from the ship, while a new gangway to access the vessel had been constructed. Signs stating "Queen Elizabeth 2, hotel main entrance" had also been erected.
However, it is unclear when any hotel will open. According to the new website, the ship is the responsibility of the Port, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, which is a Government of Dubai entity, while Port Rashid is operated by DP World. QE2 management or these entities have not commented on the developments.
"It's great to have a [mostly] intact QE2 still with us over 50 years after her launch, and for that we thank Dubai and wish them luck with her," Rob Lightbody, who runs the QE2 Story, told The National in February.
“Many of our members are very keen to step aboard once more, and stay a few nights, and many will visit Dubai who otherwise wouldn't.”
The QE2 name conjures up images of a golden era of travel on the high seas.
Built by the John Brown shipyards in Clydebank, Scotland, it was launched on September 20, 1967, by Queen Elizabeth II.
It had completed more than 800 Atlantic crossings when it was sold to Dubai in 2007. The recession scuppered plans at that time to turn her into a hotel on Palm Jumeirah and it has been in Dubai ever since. But now anticipation is building ahead of its next chapter.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner RB Money To Burn, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Kimbear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Platinum Star, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Key Victory, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
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Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
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The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Company%20Profile
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Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
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Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
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FA Cup semi-finals
Saturday: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur, 8.15pm (UAE)
Sunday: Chelsea v Southampton, 6pm (UAE)
Matches on Bein Sports
MATCH INFO
Newcastle United 1 (Carroll 82')
Leicester City 2 (Maddison 55', Tielemans 72')
Man of the match James Maddison (Leicester)
The specs: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
Price, base / as tested: Dh259,000
Engine: 6.4-litre V8
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The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
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- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
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JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Directed by: Shaka King
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons
Four stars
'Laal Kaptaan'
Director: Navdeep Singh
Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Manav Vij, Deepak Dobriyal, Zoya Hussain
Rating: 2/5
