Construction of the Emirates Palace underway in June 2004, months before its 2005 opening.
Emirates Palace at 21: The hotel that put Abu Dhabi on the world map
Celebrating 21 years of luxury at Abu Dhabi's iconic Emirates Palace
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2 MIN READ
When it first opened its doors in 2005, the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi instantly redefined luxury in the Middle East. Commissioned by the UAE government and initially managed by Kempinski Hotels, the landmark was conceived not merely as a resort, but as a symbol of the nation’s prosperity and cultural pride. Built at a reported cost of $3 billion, it has since become one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
Gulf News archives and Afra Alnofeli/Gulf News
Dubai: When Emirates Palace opened in Abu Dhabi in 2005, it set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the Middle East. Commissioned by the Abu Dhabi government as a landmark befitting the UAE capital, the hotel was conceived as both a destination for international dignitaries and a showcase of Arabian architecture and cultural heritage. Built at a reported cost of $3 billion (Dh11 billion), the property initially operated under Kempinski Hotels before Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group took over management in January 2020.
Two decades after its opening, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognizable landmarks, combining palatial design, lavish interiors and contemporary luxury. In May 2026, plans were also announced for 35 private luxury residences within its grounds, marking a new chapter in the development of the iconic waterfront property.
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Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi nears completion in October 2005, ahead of its grand opening.
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In 2005, Abu Dhabi unveiled the Emirates Palace Hotel, a new global icon of luxury.
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The scale of the Emirates Palace is staggering. The property features 394 rooms, including 92 suites and 22 residential suites reserved for heads of state. Designed with traditional Arabian architecture in mind, the interiors gleam with 26,247 metres of 22-carat gold leaf, polished marble, and ornate chandeliers.
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The hotel houses 7,000 doors, 128 kitchens, a private marina, and four helipads, showcasing its grandeur and functionality. Outdoors, lush gardens planted with 8,000 trees attract more than 150 bird species, while date palms on the grounds yield 20 tonnes of dates annually.
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Emirates Palace sprawls across 1,000,000 sq m, framed by Abu Dhabi’s modern skyline.
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Over the years, the Emirates Palace has hosted world leaders, GCC Summits, international conferences, film festivals, and global concerts, solidifying its reputation as both a cultural and political landmark.
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Beyond its architecture and scale, the palace gained fame for its signature offerings, including edible gold-dusted dishes, decadent afternoon teas, and unparalleled Arabian hospitality.
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In 2020, management transitioned to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, ushering in a new era that blends tradition with contemporary luxury.
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The Arabic-style gate of Emirates Palace Hotel illuminated at night in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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Today, Emirates Palace is one of the most photographed landmarks in the UAE. Whether shimmering under festive lights or standing as a serene backdrop to Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, it continues to represent the city’s ambition, elegance, and global appeal.
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As it celebrates 21 years, the hotel remains not just a palace fit for royalty, but a landmark that has introduced Abu Dhabi to the world.
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Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 27 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
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