QE2 arrives at final destination

The QE2 has arrived at its final home in Dubai where it will not be converted into a luxury hotel.

The vessel was sold for £50 million to the United Arab Emirate as was greeted in port today by a flotilla of yachts and local vessels. An Airbus A380 superjumbo also celebrated the occasion with a flypast.

The QE2 – originally launched on September 20th 1967 - set off from her home port of Southampton earlier this month. Preparing to leave the vessel was briefly grounded on a sandbank, before being rescued by tugs.

In her new guise each room of the vessel will be renovated, with some extended to meet the demanding standards of today's international travellers.

Real estate developer Nakheel has bought the ship. It will now become the centrepiece of Palm Jumeirah development.

Chris O'Toole