QE2 to become a luxury floating hotel

The famous Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship is to be converted to a floating hotel based in Dubai. 

Accor, a leading hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is adding the world-renowned cruise ship, to its portfolio. 

The cruise ship will undergo upgrades and renovations prior to joining the MGallery Hotel Collection.

Accor is collaborating with the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) Investments LLC, a private equity firm under the Dubai government banner.

“We are very excited to partner with Accor on this project. We trust the group’s expertise will elevate the QE2 to a new era of operations” said Saeed Al-Bannai, CEO of PCFC investment. 

“The Queen Elizabeth as we know her, has made history and we are confident that Accor will keep her legacy alive while her strong heritage and notoriety {sic} will remain a destination in itself, where guests and visitors alike can enjoy a unique experience.”

Situated in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the QE2’s location is in close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, providing easy connection to Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and La Mer Beach, all of which are all located less than 20 minutes away. 

“This is a great opportunity for Accor to expand its footprint in the UAE with the introduction of a unique project which brings diversity to the portfolio, while expanding the MGallery brand presence in the city,” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey (hell of a job title).

“Not only are we in charge of the only floating hotel in Dubai, but we are also contributing the Dubai Urban Master plan 2049, with the aim to map out the path for a sustainable urban development while increasing the city attractiveness as a global destination.”

Once the renovation is completed, the new MGallery Queen Elizabeth 2 will feature 447 hotel rooms, nine food and beverage outlets, 10 meeting rooms, 5,620sqm area for outdoor events, six retail outlets, a swimming pool and a gym. 

“We are confident that once finalised, the MGallery Queen Elizabeth 2 will become a true must-visit attraction, sharing her own stories with her guests while offering a truly unforgettable experience on-board”, added Willis.

Accor currently operates 62 properties in the UAE with 20 more properties in the pipeline.