Cunard and Nakheel flags exchanged as QE2 settles into her new home in Dubai

QE2, the world's most beloved ocean liner which arrived to a unforgettable welcome in Dubai and has officially started the next phase of her distinguished career.

The flag changing ceremony was the final chapter in QE2's epic journey to Dubai which will be her new home for the next half a century or more. QE2 will undergo a transformation before becoming a centre of culture and luxury on the Palm Jumeirah.

A select gathering of VIPs and media watched as the Cunard flags were lowered and Nakheel and United Arab Emirates flags raised to signal the changing of ownership and the next exciting episode for QE2.

Just before the British Red Ensign and Cunard house flags were lowered, Carol Marlow, President of Cunard said:

"Now it is time for Cunard to say goodbye to its longest-serving vessel.

"The Paying Off Pennant you see flying proudly from her mast denotes the paying off of a vessel that has sailed further than any other.

"And a vessel that is about to embark on an exciting new future here in Dubai where she will be enjoyed for generations to come who will marvel at the history of a great ocean liner whose record currently has no equal.

"We are delighted that QE2 has found a new home here in Dubai - an Emirate with such a rich maritime heritage and a great tourist destination for the world to enjoy."

In closing, Carol Marlow made special mention of Captain Ian McNaught, the senior officers and crew, and hotel manager John Duffy as the longest-serving four-stripe officer in the Cunard fleet.

Captain McNaught then sounded the QE2's famous whistle to signal her departure from the Cunard fleet and arrival in her new home in Dubai.

On receiving the ship, HE Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, the holding company of Nakheel, made the following remarks:

"This is a historic day for the UAE as we at Nakheel take over the custodianship of this proud and splendid ship.

"As we take her gently in our hands we would like to pay tribute to all those who have served her so well since her launch forty years ago, and who have enjoyed her hospitality during the distinguished and glittering career she has had as an ocean liner.

"On this auspicious occasion we are deeply aware of the rich heritage that is represented by the QE2, a heritage that is both respected and complemented by our own proud history as a sea-faring nation.

"Without doubt, QE2 has come to a home that will cherish and protect her. Her future has been assured and it is now our responsibility that she remains a beacon of culture and luxury for many years to come in her new home on Palm Jumeirah."

The UAE and Nakheel house flags were then raised to signal the change in ownership of QE2.

Captain Ian McNaught then presented the Cunard house flags to HE Sultan Bin Sulayem and QE2's paying off pennant (which, at 39 feet long, represents the 39 years QE2 has sailed with the Cunard fleet) was presented to Captain McNaught by Carol Marlow.

The flag changing ceremony also included the ceremonial presentation of the QE2 anchor to a crew member from Southampton, who received it on behalf of the English port which has been home to QE2 for 39 years. Nakheel and Cunard will be honouring the town by presenting QE2's anchor as a gift.

The QE2 received a glorious welcome into Dubai yesterday (Wednesday 26th November) by a flotilla of over 130 yachts, boats and leisure-craft.

Led 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 - and the Royal Navy Frigate, HMS Lancaster, QE2 arrived in Dubai with the best possible pomp and glory yesterday evening, and was met by an excited crowd waving UAE and British flags. As QE2 drew alongside the dock at Mina Rashid she was serenaded by the Dubai Police Band and an Emirati Ayallah band who played traditional songs that have been used for centuries in the Emirates to welcome home-coming vessels.

The UAE Navy also took a leading role in the welcoming flotilla and as QE2 passed The World an Emirates A380 Airbus performed a flypast in honour of her arrival. Joining the A380 Airbus in the skies was a Royal Naval helicopter.