What's New in Dubai in 2012

What's New in Dubai in 2012
Cruise Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 to Become Dubai Hotel

After years of being docked, the celebrated Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will once again serve tourists and guests when it is converted to a floating hotel in downtown Port Rashid. Developers have finally settled on a use for the ship after it first arrived in Dubai in November 2008. Having shelved previous plans to gut the ship, relocate it and remodel it into a luxury hotel, developers have decided to keep the original furnishings and 300-room layout because tourists wanted to see the famed ship in its original décor. With no major renovations, the QE2 is set to open in 18 months. Developers also plan to build a maritime museum and expand the cruise ship terminal to accommodate the influx of guests. The ship was originally commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II and sailed its first voyage in 1969. Since then, it has sailed around the world 26 times.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai to be World's Tallest Hotel

At the end of 2012, JW Marriot Marquis will open in Dubai the world's tallest hotel, serving luxury business travelers, and becoming a new superlative landmark for this thriving global business hub. Opening in Q4 of 2012, JW Marriot Marquis in Dubai will join Marriott International's luxury portfolio, which offers distinctive properties in more than 50 gateway cities and resort locations around the world. The hotel will be a symbol of Dubai's increasing importance as the high-performing center of business in the region and worldwide. The 1,164-foot tall, 1,608-room world-class luxury hotel will target the profitable MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market, with the United States being one of the key sources. For the first time in Dubai, groups of up to 1,000 people can meet, sleep and dine in one convenient and comfortable location, making this hotel the new standard for elite business travel. www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi

Luxury Pool Renovations at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

On July 7, 2012 pool facilities at The Palace Grand at the One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai hotel will reopen after being completely refurbished. The pool now matches the majestic appearance of the newly renovated hotel with brand new, elegant tone- on-tone mosaic inlays and glittering turquoise and sand crackled glass tiles. The date palm trees engulfing the pool top complete the welcoming atmosphere of this desert oasis. https://royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com

New Fairmont to Open on Palm Island

Set to open September 1, 2012, Fairmont The Palm, Dubai will be located along the coastline in Dubai's The Palm, Jumeirah development. The luxury resort will include 381 rooms, 36,500 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor beach restaurant and private beach club, pool facilities complete with a children's activity center, and several fine dining options. www.fairmont.com/palm

Sofitel to Add Two Properties in Palm Jumeirah

Sofitel will add two new hotels in Dubai at the end of the quarter. One property will be located on the Palm Jumeirah and feature 540 rooms, and another slated to open in December 2012 will include 350 rooms and will be located in front of the Burj Khalifa along Sheikh Zayed Road. www.sofitel.com

For more information on travel to Dubai, please visit: www.definitelydubai.com