The Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, a celebrated icon in Dubai and a symbol of British maritime excellence, has just unveiled a beautifully enhanced Royal Gallery. Located within the ship’s original “Queen’s Grill Lounge,” this refined space now showcases a curated display of rare and historically significant photographs, highlighting decades of Royal visits and illustrious encounters aboard the legendary ocean liner.

A truly treasured vessel, the QE2 has a storied past synonymous with state visits and royal patronage, having hosted some of the 20th century’s most prominent figures. The newly updated Royal Gallery offers guests a deeper connection to this rich legacy. The newly restored images feature an impressive array of past guests, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne, and Diana, Princess of Wales, among many others.

Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, commented on the enhancement: “The Queen Elizabeth 2 is a living archive of 20th-century history, diplomacy, and Royal tradition. With the enhancement of the Royal Gallery, we are paying tribute to the moments that shaped the ship’s iconic status. Every image displayed is a window into history and a reminder of the QE2’s enduring global significance.”

To ensure this valuable archive’s longevity and clarity, all photographs have been revamped using UV-resistant printing technology. This provides enhanced protection against light exposure while preserving the authenticity of the original imagery. This significant upgrade not only protects the collection for future generations but also elevates the visual experience for guests exploring this historically rich corridor.

This enhancement is part of a broader initiative to continuously improve the ship’s onboard Heritage experiences, offering guests not just unparalleled hospitality but also a chance to relive the ship’s most majestic moments. The Royal Gallery now serves as a powerful storytelling space, honoring not only Royal personalities but also the QE2’s significant presence in world affairs, ceremonial tradition, and royal history.

The gallery is open to all hotel guests and visitors taking part in the Heritage Tour, forming an integral part of the immersive heritage offerings aboard the QE2.

QE2 Heritage Tour Experiences
Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and delve into her storied past with four unique guided tour experiences:

• QE2 Heritage Tour: A classic guided journey through the ship’s most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools: Designed specifically for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required.
• QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour: Combine your heritage journey with the exquisite QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen’s Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM (last seating at 5:00 PM).
• QE2 Dine & Discover: Pair the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai’s most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.