The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), one of the world’s most iconic cruise liners, could one day return to Dubai as a five-star floating hotel if the UAE wins its bid to host the World Expo 2020, reports Emirates 24/7.
That is despite recent reports that current plans to sail to the ship to a port in Asia once renovations are complete is still set to go ahead; as well as recent denials that it could yet sail back to the UK to be moored on the banks of the Thames instead.
When asked of plans to bring the liner back to Dubai, Drydocks World and Maritime World chairman Khamis Juma Buamim is reported to have said: “Dubai is the base city for QE2, so everything is possible, we may even have a surprise for Dubai Expo 2020.”
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Reports of the latest plans for the famous ship’s renovations include a shopping mall, a QE2 Café serving dishes similar to those served during its famous cruises, three Michelin-starred restaurants, convention and meeting facilities and an onboard maritime museum displaying QE2 and Dubai memorabilia.
This newest plan is one of several that have been floated for the QE2 since it arrived in the emirate following its purchase from UK operator Cunard in 2007.
Originally set to be refurbished as the central attraction in a maritime-themed development on Palm Jumeirah, this plan was scrapped in the wake of the financial crisis and the downturn in the Dubai property market.
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