Abu Dhabi's most opulent hotel features gold-plated interiors, private beach, and palatial suites. The property spans 100 hectares with lush gardens and world-class facilities.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental anchors the western end of Abu Dhabi's Corniche, directly on the shore of the Arabian Gulf. The property is approximately 8 kilometres from Abu Dhabi's central business district and 5 kilometres from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — the UAE's largest mosque and one of the country's foremost visitor destinations. Abu Dhabi International Airport is around 40 kilometres east, accessible in approximately 40 minutes by car.
The building was designed by the German architecture firm WATG (Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo) and opened in 2005 as a statement of Emirati ambition on the world hotel stage. It spans one kilometre from wing to wing and covers a 100-hectare site incorporating manicured palm gardens, a private marina, and 1.3 kilometres of private Gulf beach. Management passed to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2022, bringing that brand's service culture to the established property. The palace profile of pale golden domes and colonnaded corridors has become an iconic element of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
The 394 rooms and suites are grouped across three tower categories. Entry-level Palace rooms measure approximately 75 square metres — well above standard luxury hotel sizing — while Khalidiyah Suites reach 680 square metres with private pool terraces. Interiors feature handwoven carpets, marble floors, 22-carat gold-leaf accents, and bespoke Italian furniture throughout.
Fourteen dining and entertainment outlets include Sayad for refined seafood, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi for Cantonese fine dining, La Mer for French brasserie fare, and the Le Café poolside terrace, which is renowned for its Camel Cappuccino — espresso with camel-milk foam and 24-carat gold dust. A gold-dispensing ATM in the main corridor has become a recognised landmark.
The Palace Spa extends over 2,400 square metres with 11 treatment suites, a hammam, a vitality pool, and private garden terraces. Three outdoor pools serve the property, including an adult-only pool and a family pool with a children's play zone. Service is palatial in character: every guest is assigned a dedicated Palace Attendant from arrival, and the staff-to-room ratio is among the highest in the region.
Amenities
- private beach
- spa
- 10 restaurants
- marina
- helipad
- gold vending machine
Location
Corniche West Street, Abu Dhabi
24.4637, 54.3177 View on map
Highlights
- 100-hectare estate with 1.3-kilometre private Gulf beach and a private marina
- Entry-level rooms start at 75 square metres — palatial even by luxury hotel standards
- Fourteen dining outlets including Hakkasan Abu Dhabi and the celebrated Le Café Camel Cappuccino
- Palace Spa spanning 2,400 square metres with a hammam and private garden treatment suites
- Landmark gold-dispensing ATM and 22-carat gold-leaf interiors throughout public areas
Tips for visiting
- The Camel Cappuccino at Le Café is one of the most photographed food items in Abu Dhabi — order it at the poolside terrace for the best backdrop.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque allows non-Muslim visitors and is most striking at dawn and dusk; the hotel concierge can arrange early-morning transfers.
- Sayad restaurant is the better choice for seafood at sunset — request a Gulf-facing table when booking. Hakkasan suits evening dinner later in the night.
- Book Burj Khalifa visits before travelling from Abu Dhabi — the round trip is approximately three hours including driving time, so morning timing is better than afternoons.
When to visit
November to March offers the most comfortable outdoor temperatures for beach and garden use. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend (November) brings peak occupancy; book far in advance for that period.
Accessibility
The palace grounds are very large; golf buggies are available for mobility-impaired guests to navigate between wings, restaurants, and the beach. Accessible rooms with wider doorways and adapted bathrooms are available on request. Main entrances and public areas are step-free.