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Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Abu Dhabi's grandest hotel, opened in 2005 and run by Mandarin Oriental since 2020, with 114 domes, a 1.3-kilometre private beach and a dozen restaurants.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury palace hotel
- Area
- Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- mandarinoriental.com
Good to know
- 1.3 km private beach
- Spa with hammam
- Kids Palace
- Marina
- Hakkasan and Talea restaurants
Why we recommend it
Emirates Palace is the hotel that most people picture when they think of Abu Dhabi. It opened in 2005 at the western end of the Corniche, in Ras Al Akhdar, and cost around three billion US dollars to build, which made it one of the most expensive hotels ever constructed. Kempinski ran it until the end of 2019, and on 1 January 2020 Mandarin Oriental took over, renaming it Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
The scale is extraordinary. The building, designed by WATG, is crowned by a large central dome and 114 smaller domes, and it stretches across two wings and a central block, with gold and marble used generously throughout the interiors. There are around 390 rooms and suites, including six Rulers' Suites. A private beach about 1.3 kilometres long runs along the front of the property, and the hotel also has its own marina.
Dining is a major reason to stay or visit. The restaurants include Hakkasan, which holds a Michelin star, and Talea by Antonio Guida, also starred in the Michelin Guide, along with Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi for Indian fine dining, Sand & Koal for open-fire cooking, Strawfire by Ross Shonhan for Japanese food and cocktails, Mexican cooking at ALMA, and all-day dining at Vendôme. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers hammam treatments, and there is a dedicated Kids Palace for younger guests and a club lounge for EP Club guests.
The hotel suits couples on a special trip, families who want beach space and facilities for children, and anyone who wants the full palace experience. The hotel promotes itself as a five-star property and lists a Forbes Five-Star rating for 2026 and two Michelin Keys. Rates are among the highest in the city, so look out for packages that include dining or spa credits. Even if you are not staying, booking a meal at one of the restaurants is a good way to see the architecture.
The location is excellent for sightseeing. Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, is nearby, and the Founder's Memorial and the Emirates Heritage Village are close by, as is the rest of the Corniche. The hotel estimates around 30 minutes by car to Zayed International Airport and about 100 minutes to Dubai International Airport. Reservations can be made through the hotel's own reservations team.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental FAQs
Who runs Emirates Palace?
Mandarin Oriental has operated the hotel since 1 January 2020. Before that it was run by Kempinski.
When did Emirates Palace open?
In 2005.
Does Emirates Palace have a beach?
Yes. It has a private beach about 1.3 kilometres long.
Which restaurants are at Emirates Palace?
They include Hakkasan, Talea by Antonio Guida, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Sand & Koal, Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, ALMA and Vendôme.
Can non-guests eat at the restaurants?
Yes. Restaurants such as Hakkasan take reservations from outside guests.
Is it good for families?
Yes. It has a Kids Palace and a long private beach.
How far is the airport?
About 30 minutes by car from Zayed International Airport, according to the hotel.
What is nearby?
Qasr Al Watan, the Founder's Memorial and the Emirates Heritage Village.