The world-famous QE2 liner, owned by Istithmar, is up for sale to a Chinese firm, according to speculations. The liner has been retired since 2008 after making its last trip to Dubai. This comes as a shock as up till July; its owner had expressed the desire to turn the liner into a 300-room luxury floating hotel to revolutionize and transform the Port of Rashid, where it is currently located. The launch of such a hotel would have been a real boost for the hotel’s tourism economy. The liner was bought from Cunard for around $100m in June 2007 by the Dubai-based investment company, but it is now up for grabs for around $32m. The British company’s interest in acquiring the vessel had offered an additional $98m for renovati. Still, thehe UK media reported that the Chinese firm seems to be offering the payment on faster terms.
The 293m long vessel was launched by the Queen in 1969 and has made all-round trips from Southampton to New York for 30 years.
QE2, the famous liner now on sale
