QE2 welcome - a tribute from the Queen of the Skies to the Queen of the Seas

An Emirates Airline A380 aircraft will join the welcome party at The World islands for a grand flypast to welcome the ocean liner when she sails into Dubai this Wednesday, 26 November.

The flypast will be carried out by Emirates' third impressive double-decker A380 aircraft, piloted by Captain Abbas Shaban.

As well as the Emirates A380, QE2 will also be greeted at The World islands by a flotilla of local yachts, boats and leisure-craft led by a Royal Navy Frigate.

The flotilla will also be joined by My Dubai, the yacht owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The arrival of QE2 has seen a significant increase in hotel bookings across Dubai for this week, as well as a high number of corporate incentive bookings from companies wishing to take part in the flotilla.

QE2's arrival will be seen not only from the sea and skies, but also from land at various vantage points across Dubai, including Jumeirah Corniche and Hyatt Corniche where hundreds of members of the public are expected to turn out to watch between 1600-1700.

With added support in the air and on land, the exciting arrival of QE2 will be enjoyed from all angles.

Manfred Ursprunger, CEO of QE2 Enterprises, Nakheel Hotels, said:

"Such a prestigious ship undoubtedly merits a grand welcome. We are delighted with the public's response to the welcome flotilla - with more than 60 vessels registered to take part - and can now expand the welcome party into the skies. The arrival of QE2 in Dubai will be a proud moment for Nakheel and one that will form part of the ship's rich history. We are delighted that we have been able to involve so many of our partners in Dubai and with the particular support of Emirates Airline, for which we are extremely grateful, we will be able to enhance and capture this moment and share it with the world."

Once refurbished, QE2 will be set afloat on the eastern side of the trunk of Palm Jumeirah at the end of a specially designed, prestigious land-bridge precinct that will evoke all the grandeur, luxury and exclusivity associated with ocean cruise liners.

QE2 was purchased last year by Nakheel's parent company, Dubai World.

She is arguably one of the world's most famous ships and has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers including kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, astronauts and many international celebrities.

She survived a 95 ft wave during Hurricane Luis, carried 3,000 troops to the Falklands War and rescued 500 passengers from a burning ship.

She is a record breaker for both speed and endurance, has featured in countless films and television shows and draws crowds to every port she docks in.