Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
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Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi - by batavia60510 from Pixabay
Description
The Emirates Palace is a luxury hospitality complex designed by John Elliott (WATG architects) in collaboration with Reza Rahmanian (HDC Architects). The inspiration is heavily drawn from Islamic architectural principles, in particular the geometry, proportions and use of domes: there are 114 of them in total throughout the property, the main one reaching a height of 72m. The hotel is currently operated by Mandarin Oriental (it was Kempinski until 2020) and is complemented by extensive gardens, a private marina, and a 1.3km private beach.
Access & Transport
The Palace is at the western end of W. Corniche Rd and of the main island of Abu Dhabi, just before Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace) and across the road from the Etihad Towers Buses 9, 34, 69 stop in front of the hotel.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest enjoying a snack / drink whilst taking a look around the hotel to better enjoy it and because it is not operated as a tourist attraction. This sight can easily be combined with Qasr Al Wattan, a boat ride leaving from Emirates Palace Marina, or some time at the beach (the hotel's own private beach or Corniche Beach).
Environmental & Social
The Mandarin Oriental Group has comprehensive policies, objectives and reporting covering environmental and social aspects of its operations. It seems to do well in terms of gender equality, volunteering programs with local communities and in-house training. More details can be found here: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/our-company/sustainability The group environmental and sustainability 2020 targets have now been mostly achieved with significant improvements from 2007-2012 baselines, hopefully they will continue their efforts. In 2018, the Group decided to eliminate all single-use plastic in their properties. At the Emirates Palace specifically, there is a desalinization plant which produces potable water used for gardening.
Conclusion
The Emirates Palace deserves its status as a touristic sight. The multitude of domes, harmonious and balanced architectural design, and opulent interiors are a sight to behold. There is however something to be said about the excess of gold, both aesthetically and ethically.
Key positive
The architecture is really worth a look
Key negative
Not everybody will want to encourage such extreme luxury
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo