Nakheel takes over ownership of QE2

Dubai: The exchange of flags aboard the QE2 on Thursday sealed the vessel's new ownership under master-developer Nakheel.

Following 39 years of service, the QE2 will start a new chapter as an ultra-luxury hotel in Dubai, on the Palm Jumeirah.

The Cunard flags were lowered and Nakheel's raised.

The Captain then sounded the whistle for 39 seconds, "one second for every year of her service", Captain Ian McNaught said.

Against a grey sky and thunder, the ownership was transferred to Nakheel.

At an emotional ceremony aboard the ship, Carol Marlow, president of Cunard, described her as the best-loved ship and the most successful ocean liner.

"I'm delighted that Dubai will be her future home as it is a great centre of tourism and a wonderful place with its own rich, maritime history," Marlow said.

The new owners agree that the history of the QE2 will not be forgotten. Sultan Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said that while the ship's career as an ocean liner was over, she was beginning a new life in Dubai.

"Dubai is home for this magnificent vessel with the history she brings and will continue to serve the people who miss this vessel and the people who have stayed on her and those who want to stay on her, can still come to Dubai and stay," Bin Sulayem said.

The Cunard house flag was flown for the first time on the QE2 in April 1969. Yesterday McNaught was given one and the other was given to Nakheel officials.

The anchor of the QE2 will be given by Nakheel to the city of Southampton, the QE2's home port until on Thursday.

While there was some sadness, there is much excitement that the QE2 will continue to impress on the Palm Jumeirah as a high-end, luxury hotel and tourist magnet.

The QE2 sailed into Dubai Wednesday to a 130-strong welcoming flotilla, including My Dubai, the yacht of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HMS Lancaster, a British navy frigate.