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Dubai: Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, recently visited Southampton and toured the world-famous Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) between voyages.
Bin Sulayem also met the captain, staff and management of the cruise ship, who are busy preparing for her final voyage to Dubai in November, where she will be transformed into a permanent attraction as a floating hotel, retail and leisure destination at Palm Jumeirah.
The Dubai World chairman also met Manfred Ursprunger, chief executive of QE2 Enterprises, the Dubai World company set up to oversee the refurbishment of the vessel, and reviewed plans to create an unmatched experience of luxury in Dubai with the QE2 as its centrepiece.
He also discussed the installation of a museum dedicated to the celebration of the QE2's history and heritage.
Bin Sulayem said: "As a nation with a long maritime history, we value the rich heritage of the 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," he said.
The cruise ship, which is the longest serving vessel in Cunard Line's 168-year history, was bought by Dubai World company Istithmar World for $100 million last year.
Since its launch by Queen Elizabeth in September 1967, the QE2 has conducted 25 world cruises, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times, and carried more than 2.5 million passengers, and sailed more than twice the number of nautical miles.
Investment: Dubai eyes Colombia
Dubai World on Sunday said it is exploring various investment possibilities in Colombia, one of South America's emerging economies.
Group chairman Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem met Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in Bogota during his recent visit to the country and discussed the growing economic ties between Dubai and Colombia.
- Staff report
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