
QE2 Enriches its Heritage Attractions with Two New Installations
Set against the backdrop of one of the most storied vessels in the world, these two installations provide guests and visitors with a deeper, more immersive encounter with the history of the QE2, a liner that defined an era of luxury ocean travel and hosted some of the greatest names of the 20th century.
Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, stated: 'The QE2 is more than just a ship, it is a floating museum of memories, a vessel of stories that span generations. With these new attractions, we aim to bring our rich legacy to life, from her royal beginnings to her iconic status as a global voyager, in ways that are interactive, educational, and emotionally engaging. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a student of history, or a curious traveller, the QE2 offers an experience like no other in the region. With these additions, we invite guests to relive her most iconic moments and celebrate the timeless grandeur of maritime history – right here in the heart of Dubai.'
The Queen Elizabeth 2 continues to draw guests from around the world who wish to step into a chapter of history. The new attractions mark the latest milestone in an ongoing effort to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the ship's legacy.
QE2 Making Headlines
QE2 Making Headlines showcases a priceless collection of original, special edition publications from 1969 highligting the ship's global impact and royal significance from the very beginning. These framed newspapers showcase the global coverage including the fanfare and grandeur that surrounded her maiden voyage. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how the Queen Elizabeth 2 was celebrated as a modern marvel, a new era of ocean travel immortalised in print.
QE2 Majestic Moments
QE2 Majestic Moments is an immersive, multimedia storytelling experience that transports guests through the ship's legendary timeline. Through a curated selection of archival images, rare videos, and historical narratives, this installation brings to life the most iconic milestones in QE2's journey, from royal visits and record-breaking voyages to celebrity guests and world events. Designed as an interactive tribute, it invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ship's rich past in a way that's both informative and emotionally resonant. It's not just a display, it's a moving portrait of a liner that changed the course of maritime history.
The heritage exhibits are now open to all hotel guests as part of the QE2's onboard experience. Guided heritage tours are available daily, offering guests a glimpse into the ship's royal past, its design brilliance, and its legendary voyages across the globe.
Heritage Tours
Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences
QE2 Heritage Tour
A classic guided experience taking guests 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.
A classic guided experience taking guests 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
Specially designed 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.
Specially designed 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
Pair your heritage journey with the 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 5:00pm).
Pair your heritage journey with the 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 5:00pm). QE2 Dine & Discover
Combine 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.
For inquiries, please contact us at
Phone: +971 4 526 8888 or Email: [email protected]
www.qe2.com/heritage-tours
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Business
4 days ago
- Gulf Business
Raki Phillips steps down as RAK Tourism chief for Accor post
Raki Phillips (CEO of RAKTDA) is taking on a new leadership position at Accor. One of the UAE's most prominent tourism figures, Raki Phillips, is set to leave his role as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and take on a major new leadership position at hospitality giant Accor. From November 2025, Phillips will become regional president for Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. He succeeds Paul Stevens, whose tenure with Accor spans nearly three decades. Phillips brings over 20 years of experience in global hospitality and destination development. During his six years at RAKTDA, he helped transform the northern emirate into one of the region's fastest-growing and most progressive tourism destinations. Under his watch, Ras Al Khaimah tripled its tourism revenues, expanded international air connectivity, secured the landmark Wynn Resorts deal – the largest foreign direct investment in the emirate – and launched wide-ranging sustainability initiatives. READ MORE: Prior to his role in government, Phillips held senior roles at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, where he supported the ramp-up of high-profile properties including the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex. His earlier experience includes time with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, giving him a well-rounded view of both luxury operations and global entertainment-led hospitality. Accor's CEO for the PME division in the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Duncan O'Rourke, described Phillips as a 'rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership,' adding that his appointment is key to strengthening Accor's local leadership across the region. Phillips will now oversee a network of over 250 hotels across 27 countries, with more than 85 properties in the pipeline. He will be based in Dubai and manage a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis. His arrival comes at a time of momentum for Accor, with more than 350 hotels and 92,000 rooms across the region, and a development pipeline of over 140 hotels. Key markets such as the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia continue to drive performance and investor interest.


Web Release
4 days ago
- Web Release
Your Next Unforgettable Moment Awaits Aboard the QE2
Celebrate this summer with curated experiences aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2. From elegant Afternoon Teas and hearty Sunday Roasts to Heritage Tours that bring history to life, the QE2 invites you to create unforgettable memories. Whether treating someone special with a QE2 Experience Gift Voucher or simply indulging in the timeless charm of this legendary vessel, every moment aboard is one to treasure. QE2 Sunday Roast at Queens Grill Looking for the perfect Sunday plan? Join us for a hearty roast at Queen's Grill, think roast beef (or chicken, or lamb!), Yorkshire pudding, and all that you would expect from a British classic. · From only AED 115 per roast or AED 200 for two persons · Every Sunday at the Queens Grill | 12.30pm to 3.30pm · Book your table now – because Sundays deserve the royal treatment. Book Now QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea Step into a world of elegance with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea at the Queen's Grill. This historic venue, once the domain of the ship's most distinguished guests, now offers a refined tea experience that brings a touch of British tradition to Dubai. Choose from two exquisite afternoon tea selections: the Cunard, featuring a delightful array of cold bites and pastries, or the Britannia, which adds a warm twist with a selection of hot canapés. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request. (Guests must inform the QE2 team when booking). § Available Fridays and Saturdays between 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm (Last seating at 5:00 pm). § Cunard Package: AED 165 per person / AED 110 per child (6 – 12 years old, children below 6 years dine free) § Britannia Package: AED 195 per person / AED 135 per child (6 – 12 years old, children below 6 years dine free) § Dress Code: Smart Casual Please note that a 24-hour advance booking is required. All our prices are in AED inclusive of 5% VAT, 7% municipality fee and 10% service charge. Book Now QE2 Heritage Tour Step back in time with our Heritage Tour and discover what life was like aboard the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 during her sailing years. Curated by exhibition experts and world-class designers, the tour features an extraordinary collection of original artefacts thoughtfully displayed to transport you to the golden age of ocean travel. Daily 11:00 am & 5:00 pm AED 85 Per person Book Now The Golden Lion Step into the Golden Lion, Dubai's oldest floating pub, for a taste of Britain by the sea. Whether you are in the mood for crispy fish and chips or a hearty burger, the Golden Lion offers a comforting taste of home. Golden Hour: 50% off select drinks | Daily 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Teacher Special: 20% off food & drinks | Daily 8:00 pm to 12:00 am Valid for teachers with ID. Up to 4 guests. Not applicable during key events. Book Now QE2 Experience Gift Voucher Not every gift fits in a box. Some come wrapped in history, sea views, and timeless moments. The QE2 Experience Gift Voucher invites your loved ones to enjoy the experience of their choice, whether it's a romantic stay with stunning sea views, a refined Royal Afternoon Tea, a hearty Sunday Roast, a journey through time on our Heritage Tour, or a memorable Captain's Dinner. Whatever the occasion, let them unwrap a moment aboard Dubai's most legendary destination, the Queen Elizabeth 2. Buy a Gift Voucher For inquiries, please call +971 4 526 8888 or email [email protected]


Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Accor appoints Raki Phillips as Regional President for Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Middle East, Africa & Turkiye
Dubai: Accor has announced the appointment of Raki Phillips as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East & Africa & Türkiye, effective November 2025. He succeeds Paul Stevens in leading one of Accor's most strategically important regions. Phillips will oversee hotel operations performance across a network of over 250 hotels in 27 countries, and a robust pipeline of over 85 openings further anchoring Accor's presence across the region. He will report to Duncan O'Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy division in Middle East Africa & Asia Pacific. With more than 20 years of global experience, Raki Phillips is widely regarded as one of the most influential tourism leaders in the Middle East. Most recently, he held the role of CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), where he spearheaded the Emirate's transformation into one of the region's fastest growing and most progressive tourism destinations. Under his leadership, the destination tripled tourism revenues, expanded its international airlift, helped secure the Wynn Resorts deal - the largest FDI in the emirate - and launched landmark sustainability initiatives. Phillips is also a former Fairmont Raffles Hotels International executive, where he held senior commercial roles and contributed to global brand expansion, adding operational depth and luxury expertise to his wide-ranging profile, including the ramp up of the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex as well as Fairmont hotels across the Middle East and India. His earlier career includes senior roles with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, blending deep operational experience with a sharp commercial mindset. In recent years, he has been consistently recognised among the Middle East's top travel and tourism executives, noted for his ability to drive results through culture, community engagement, and innovation. 'Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. As we move into the next stage of growth in the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, it's important we strengthen our leadership presence locally. With his deep understanding of the region, and strong relationships across both public and private sectors, Raki is perfectly positioned to deepen our community ties, accelerate development, and continue to elevate the strength of our brands. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact,' Duncan O'Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, MEA APAC, Accor. Phillips' appointment follows the announcement that Paul Stevens shall be departing in October. Paul's tenure with Accor spans nearly three decades. Under Paul's leadership, we've seen strong growth, operational excellence, and a deep cultural shift. He built a unifying One Team spirit and launched standout initiatives like Choir Games, Think Like an Owner, and Race to Survive, raising millions for children's health and community causes. A committed champion of inclusion and purpose, he led DIA, Purpose Week, Accor's Purpose Statement, and localised RiiSE and SheLeads across Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. His impact earned global recognition, including Best Business Unit and multiple Bernache Awards for ESG and business excellence. Phillips joins Accor at a time of strong momentum across the region, with over 350 hotels, 92k rooms and 140 hotels (31K rooms) in the pipeline. The Group's Premium, Midscale &Economy division has posted healthy year-on-year growth, with key markets such as the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showing strong performance and development potential. With an ambitious pipeline and growing demand for diverse hospitality experiences, his appointment reinforces Accor's commitment to local leadership and market-led innovation. Based in Dubai, Phillips will oversee a diverse brand portfolio that includes Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis, while also supporting owners and partners to unlock long-term value and guest loyalty. ABOUT ACCOR Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels & resorts, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay, gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.