Anticipation builds as the famous luxury liner undergoes a major facelift at Dubai’s Port Rashid
Shafa Construction group. The group said on its website that 110 people have been working on a 32,000-square-metre portion of the ship on behalf of DP World.
That’s about half the total floor space, including the cabins. It is believed that the QE2 is now the responsibility of the Port, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) – which is a Government of Dubai entity.
Port Rashid is operated by DP World and plans are in place for a transformation of the port complex into a destination including a new marina, shops, restaurants and the cruise terminals.
Work is under way and a billboard at the port entrance showing the redevelopment features the QE2 prominently.
Recent satellite photos of the vessel also show that the outdoor swimming pool at the vessel’s stern appears to have been decked over, which could point to the ship’s future use as an event venue. Along with the lifeboats, their winches and motors have also gone.
The new developments have been welcomed by enthusiasts. “It is looking like they’ll manage to open her in some capacity, although we’ve been here before, so I’m cautious about that,” said Rob Lightbody, who runs The QE2 Story website.
The move follows years of uncertainty for the famous ocean liner. After about 40 years of service, the ship was bought by Istithmar, an arm of Dubai World, in 2007 in a US$100 million (Dh367m) deal. QE2 arrived in Dubai on November 26, 2008. It was to become a 500-room floating hotel on Palm Jumeirah but the financial crisis intervened and the famous ship has remained moored in Dubai ever since.
Neither DP World nor PCFC responded to requests for comment, but it is thought the work involves a considerable financial investment.
The QE2 had been in the adjacent Dubai DryDocks for a number of years with the power off. “There was no maintenance of her machinery or public rooms. Her exterior paintwork, which became cracked, faded and coated with sand, was a good indication of the health of the interior,” said Shaun Ebelthite, the editor of trade magazine Cruise Arabia and Africa. “It’s likely then that Al Shafa Construction’s renovation works include a total overhaul of all the original carpets, curtains, couches and other materials on board.”
Mr Lightbody said: “I very much hope she’s a success, while also retaining as much of her original character and history as is practical.”
The QE2 was moved to her present location at the start of last year.