THE GROUP will be operating the first and only floating hotel in dubai STARTING from May 2022
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey is adding the world-renowned cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), into its portfolio. Taking over operations from May 2022, 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.
The group is collaborating with the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) Investments LLC, one of the government organizations under the Dubai government officially established in 2001, and includes a number of entities and authorities operating under its umbrella.
PCFC Investments LLC (PCFCI) is a boutique private equity firm whose principal objective is investment in commercial enterprises and asset management. The company’s business model is focused on investing in, owning, developing and managing commercial real estate assets. PCFC Investments’ strategy is to acquire and expand the company’s commercial portfolio whilst aiming for continuous growth and improvement.
“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” states 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”.
Situated in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the QE2’s location is in close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, providing easy connection to every main attraction the city has to offer. Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and La Mer Beach are all located less than 20 minutes away, while the Palm Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates are located 35 and 29 minutes, respectively.
“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” says 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 & beverage outlets, ten meeting rooms, 5,620sqm area for outdoor events, six retail outlets, a swimming pool and a gym.
“We are confident that once finalised, the MGallery Queen Elizabeth 2 will become a true must-visit attraction, sharing her own stories with her guests while offering a truly unforgettable experience on-board”, added Mark Willis.
Accor currently operates 62 properties (18,562 keys) in the UAE with 20 (5,831keys) properties in the pipeline.
ABOUT PORTS, CUSTOMS & FREEZONE CORPORATION
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation is one of the organizations of the Government of Dubai, which was officially established in 2001, and includes a number of entities and authorities operating under its umbrella. These entities include Dubai Customs, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the Dubai Ports Authority, the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees, the Dubai Maritime City Authority, the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, in addition to the investment arm and security arm of the Corporation represented in the Investment Department and the Security Department. The corporation relies on the innovative use of technology to provide smart and distinguished services to its customers, and is constantly working on developing dealing mechanisms to comply with best practices and to ensure the happiness and loyalty of customers in line with government trends.
ABOUT ACCOr
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.
