Dubai: Residents, tourists flock to QE2 cruise liner to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Several people turned up with flowers to pay tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at the lobby of the QE2 cruise liner on Friday. The British Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced on its Instagram page that the general public would be able to offer condolences at the QE2 from 10 am to 6 pm and advised people to expect queues. Gary James, who has lived in the UAE for over three decades, remembers her as "the queen of our hearts." "She was a big part of our life and it only felt right to come here and pay respect to her." Gary had arrived with his wife Amanda to lay flowers at a bust of the Queen. On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning Queen in history, passed away at 96. Concerns over her health earlier in the day prompted senior royals to convene at her Scottish home in Balmoral. Management aboard QE2 received an overwhelming number of calls after the news emerged, prompting them to relocate the bust from the ship's first-class lounge (the Queen's Room) to the lobby so passengers could pay their respects. Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the QE2 and kept the ship dear to her heart. In 1967, the Queen christened the ship after her own name in front of thousands of people who had lined the streets, eager to learn the name of the new vessel. Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), one of the fastest transatlantic ships, is known for its style and luxury. The liner arrived in Dubai in November 2008 and was converted into a floating luxury hotel at the Mina Rashid port. BKM/ Expat Media
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