Where is qe2 now

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The QE2 (Queen Elizabeth 2) is permanently docked in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where it has been converted into a floating hotel and entertainment venue at Mina Rashid since 2018. The ship arrived in Dubai in 2008 after being purchased by Dubai World for $100 million, and after extensive renovations costing over $20 million, it opened to the public on April 18, 2018.

Key Facts

The QE2 is permanently docked at Mina Rashid in Dubai, UAE as a floating hotel since 2018
Dubai World purchased the ship in 2008 for $100 million
Renovation costs exceeded $20 million before opening in 2018
The ship measures 963 feet (293.5 meters) in length with a gross tonnage of 70,327
QE2 completed 806 transatlantic crossings during its 39-year service career

Overview

The Queen Elizabeth 2, commonly known as QE2, is one of the most famous ocean liners in maritime history. Launched in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II at the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, the ship served as a transatlantic liner for the Cunard Line for nearly four decades. During its operational career from 1969 to 2008, the QE2 became an icon of luxury travel, carrying over 2.5 million passengers across the Atlantic and around the world.

After its retirement from active service in 2008, the ship faced an uncertain future until Dubai World purchased it for $100 million. The vessel was originally intended to become a floating hotel at The Palm Jumeirah, but plans changed due to the 2008 financial crisis. After years of delays and extensive renovations costing over $20 million, the QE2 finally opened as a permanent floating hotel and tourist attraction at Mina Rashid in Dubai on April 18, 2018.

How It Works

The QE2's transformation from ocean liner to stationary hotel required significant modifications while preserving its historical character.

Structural Modifications: The ship underwent extensive renovations to convert passenger cabins into 224 hotel rooms and suites, while maintaining original features like the Queen's Room ballroom and the Chart Room bar. Engineers installed new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to meet modern hotel standards, with the entire project taking approximately 10 years from purchase to opening.
Historical Preservation: Approximately 70% of the ship's original interiors were preserved or restored, including the iconic wooden staircase, the Golden Lion Pub, and the QE2 Theatre. The restoration team used original blueprints and consulted with former crew members to ensure historical accuracy, with particular attention given to the ship's 1960s design aesthetic.
Operational Systems: As a permanently moored vessel, the QE2 required specialized systems including advanced mooring arrangements capable of withstanding Dubai's weather conditions, with 16 mooring lines securing the 70,327-ton ship. The hotel operates with a staff of approximately 200 people who manage everything from housekeeping to the ship's multiple restaurants and entertainment venues.
Visitor Experience: Guests can choose from several experience packages including overnight stays in restored cabins starting at $150 per night, guided tours of the ship's historical areas for $30 per person, and dining in original restaurants like the Princess Grill. The ship also hosts corporate events, weddings, and cultural exhibitions that attract over 100,000 visitors annually.

Key Comparisons

Feature	QE2 as Ocean Liner (1969-2008)	QE2 as Dubai Hotel (2018-Present)
Primary Function	Transatlantic passenger service with 1,777 passenger capacity	Stationary hotel with 224 rooms and tourist attraction
Location	Regularly crossed Atlantic between Southampton and New York	Permanently moored at Mina Rashid, Dubai, UAE
Operational Costs	Approximately $60 million annually for fuel, crew, and maintenance	Estimated $5-8 million annually for hotel operations and preservation
Historical Status	Active service vessel with regular maintenance cycles	Preserved historical monument with controlled environment
Visitor Access	Limited to paying passengers on voyages	Open daily for tours, dining, and overnight stays

Why It Matters

Maritime Heritage Preservation: The QE2 represents one of the last great ocean liners, and its preservation in Dubai ensures that this important piece of 20th-century maritime history remains accessible. With only a handful of historic liners preserved worldwide, the QE2's survival rate of 70% original interiors makes it particularly significant for historical accuracy and educational value.
Tourism Impact: As Dubai's first floating hotel and maritime museum, the QE2 has become a major tourist attraction contributing to the city's diversified tourism offerings. The ship attracts approximately 120,000 visitors annually and has created over 200 permanent jobs in hospitality and tourism sectors, supporting Dubai's vision to become a global tourism hub.
Economic Revitalization: The $20+ million renovation project stimulated local businesses and demonstrated successful adaptive reuse of historic assets. The ship's location at Mina Rashid has helped revitalize the port area, with surrounding developments seeing increased commercial activity and property values rising approximately 15% since the ship's opening.

The QE2's transformation from active ocean liner to preserved hotel represents a successful model for maritime heritage conservation that balances historical preservation with commercial viability. As climate change and economic pressures make traditional ship preservation increasingly challenging, the QE2's Dubai adaptation offers a template for other historic vessels facing similar challenges. Looking forward, the ship's management plans to expand educational programming and digital experiences to reach global audiences while maintaining the physical vessel as a testament to maritime engineering and luxury travel history.