Accor, the global hospitality group, will add the legendary cruise ship the Queen Elizabeth 2 to its portfolio. The famous QE2 will be docked in Dubai and the hotel chain hope it becomes a landmark for the city.
The brand already has more than 400 hotels in its portfolio across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Taking over operations from May 2022, Accor said the cruise ship will undergo further upgrades and renovations prior to joining the MGallery Hotel Collection.
“Once fully rebranded, Queen Elizabeth 2 will undoubtedly become a landmark property for the MGallery brand and Dubai overall,” it stated.
The group is collaborating with the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), a Dubai government established in 2001 which includes a number of entities and authorities operating under its umbrella.
PCFC Investments (PCFCI) is a boutique private equity firm whose objective is investment in commercial enterprises and asset management.
“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 will remain a destination in itself, where guests and visitors alike can enjoy a unique experience”.
The QE2’s location will be in Dubai’s Port Rashid and with easy connection to the city’s other tourist attractions.
“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” added Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey.
“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, ten meeting rooms, space for outdoor events, along with a swimming pool and gym. Accor currently operates 62 properties in the UAE with 20 new ones in the pipeline.
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