Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Predecessor | Kempinski (management until 31 December 2019) |
| Founded | February 2005 |
| Fate | Management taken over by Mandarin Oriental on 1 January 2020 |
| Successor | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (management) |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates |
Area served | International |
| Products | Luxury hotel accommodation and services |
| Parent | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group |
| Website | www |
The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi (Arabic: قصر الإمارات) stands as a premier five-star luxury hotel located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Since 1 January 2020, it has been under the management of Mandarin Oriental. The initiative for this property began in December 2001, with Kempinski overseeing operations from its inauguration in November 2005 until the managerial handover. Following this transition, the hotel underwent extensive renovations over a two-year period, finalized by July 2022.
Construction
The architectural design, crafted by WATG Architects, integrates traditional Islamic motifs such as harmony, geometric precision, proportionality, rhythmic patterns, and hierarchical design principles with contemporary building methods. The centerpiece dome is adorned with elaborate geometric designs and is accompanied by 114 smaller domes distributed throughout the complex. Inspired by the hues of the Arabian Desert sands, the color scheme reflects regional influences. Construction commenced in December 2001 under the direction of the Belgian construction company BESIX, while Depa Interiors from Abu Dhabi handled the interior installations. Opening its doors in February 2005, the project’s expenditure was approximately US$3 billion (11.02 billion dirhams), positioning it as the world’s third costliest hotel after Las Vegas’ Cosmopolitan ($3.9 billion) and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands ($5.5 billion).
Rooms and facilities
The Emirates Palace encompasses a total of 390 accommodations, which include 92 suites and an additional 22 residential suites distributed among two wings and a central structure. Many suites are lavishly appointed with gold detailing and marble finishes. The main edifice features an opulent marble floor beneath a grand dome embellished with gold patterns. Situated on the penthouse level are six exclusive Rulers' Suites designated for high-ranking officials and royalty.
Amenities available at the hotel comprise two spas, more than 40 conference rooms, a private beach stretching 1.3 kilometers, a marina, two helipads, a ballroom capable of hosting up to 2,500 guests, upscale retail outlets, and a variety of international dining establishments.
Events
Hosting numerous prestigious occasions has elevated Emirates Palace’s international reputation. In 2008, Christina Aguilera attracted an audience of 20,000 during her Back To Basics Tour performance. The property has served as a filming location for movies including Fast and Furious 7 (2015), The Kingdom (2007), and 6 Underground (2019). Additionally, Justin Timberlake performed here in December 2007.
In the realm of sports, Emirates Palace was the venue for an English Rugby Union fixture between London Wasps and Harlequins in January 2011 — marking the first time an English domestic rugby match was held outside England — demonstrating the hotel’s adaptability for hosting international sporting events.