When one thinks of staying in Dubai, the QE2 isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, this legendary ocean liner turned luxury hotel is unlike any other experience in the city – a slice of maritime history moored in the heart of modern Dubai.
Dubai’s Queen Elizabeth 2 has just unveiled two fascinating new heritage attractions, cementing its status as one of the emirate’s most distinctive and storied hotels.
The QE2 Making Headlines and QE2 Majestic Moments exhibitions invite guests to step back in time and experience the grandeur and global significance of this iconic ocean liner, which has been reimagined as a luxurious floating hotel in the heart of Dubai.
“The QE2 is more than just a ship – it’s a floating museum of memories,” said Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. “These new attractions allow guests to immerse themselves in her incredible journey from royal beginnings to global icon.”
Originally launched in 1969, the QE2 has hosted royalty, celebrities, and countless globetrotters. Now, firmly anchored in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the ship’s new exhibits pay tribute to this remarkable past in a setting unlike any other.
A Window to the Past
QE2 Making Headlines showcases a curated collection of original 1969 newspaper editions celebrating the ship’s maiden voyage. Framed and preserved onboard, these historic front pages provide a snapshot of the global excitement that surrounded the QE2’s arrival on the world stage.
Meanwhile, QE2 Majestic Moments takes visitors on an evocative multimedia journey through the ship’s most famous milestones. From black-and-white photographs to rare video footage, this interactive installation brings to life the liner’s royal connections, record-breaking crossings, and the famous faces that once graced its decks.
A Unique Dubai Experience
These additions build on the QE2’s position as a singular offering in Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape – a historic British ocean liner turned hotel, floating museum, and cultural landmark all in one.
For those eager to explore further, the ship offers four themed heritage tours, from classic guided experiences to immersive pairings with afternoon tea or dinner. School groups can also take part in educational sessions designed to inspire young minds with tales of maritime history and design brilliance.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 remains a magnet for travellers from around the globe, blending the glamour of its ocean-liner days with Dubai’s modern flair for the extraordinary. With these new heritage experiences, the ship’s legend continues to evolve, offering guests a taste of history in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
For more information or to book a heritage tour, visit www.qe2.com.
