Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: Abu Dhabi's Palace of Gold

Golden domes, marble halls and a private beach on the Corniche, one of the most famous luxury landmarks in the Gulf.

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About Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental sits at the western end of the Corniche, a sweeping palace of sand-coloured stone, golden domes and long garden avenues beside the Arabian Gulf, opened in 2005 and rebranded as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in 2023. By day it glows warm gold, and at night the whole front is lit up.

Built by the Abu Dhabi government at a reported cost of about US$3 billion, it was designed to host royalty, heads of state and major summits, and is now managed by Mandarin Oriental. The main building stretches for over a kilometre from wing to wing, set in about 85 hectares of gardens with 394 rooms and suites across 114 domes. Inside, tall atriums, marble floors and gold-detailed domes lead to restaurants, cafes, two spas and many event spaces, while the 1.3 km private beach uses imported white sand with two pools and an aqua fun park.

Why Visit Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental?

A True Palace Atmosphere

Golden domes, marble halls and a true palace atmosphere.

Private Beach

A 1.3 km private beach with calm Gulf water.

Famous Cafes

Famous cafes, afternoon tea and the gold cappuccino.

Easy to Combine

Easy to combine with Qasr Al Watan, the Corniche and the Grand Mosque.

Gulf Hospitality at its Grandest

A rare look at Gulf hospitality at its grandest.

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Good to Know

Day pass and tour fees apply for non-guests, and the hotel suits couples, families, luxury travellers, photographers and groups. It is officially a five-star luxury hotel — the "seven-star" label often used for it is only a popular nickname.

Non-guest access is usually through a reservation, tour or day pass, so plan and confirm pricing before you arrive. Parts of the hotel can close for private events or official visits.

How to Reach Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

01
Pakistan to Abu Dhabi
Fly from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad or another major city to Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, or fly to Dubai and drive about 1.5 hours. Check current UAE visa rules for your passport before booking.
02
Airport to Emirates Palace
The hotel is about 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi airport by taxi or ride-hailing car. From Dubai airport allow around 100 minutes.
03
Corniche to Emirates Palace
From downtown or the Corniche, drive about 10 to 15 minutes to West Corniche Road. Qasr Al Watan is roughly 2 km away.
04
Explore
Arrive for your reservation, take a tour or day pass, and enjoy the lobby, cafes and beach.

Things to Do in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Palace Tour

Join a guided tour of the public halls, domes and artwork where offered.

Beach Day

Use a day pass for the private beach, pools and jogging paths.

Photography

Golden domes, symmetrical halls and palm-lined driveways look good at every hour.

Afternoon Tea and Gold Cappuccino

Try the famous gold cappuccino and afternoon tea in the lobby cafes.

Fine Dining

Book a table at one of the hotel restaurants for a special meal.

Spa and Fitness

Spa treatments, gyms and over 6 km of jogging paths are open to guests and pass holders.

Corniche Stroll

Walk or cycle along the nearby Corniche promenade for sea views.

Best Time to Visit Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Excellent

Winter

December to February

Mild, bright days and ideal beach weather. The busiest and priciest season.

Recommended season

Good

Autumn

October to November

The sea is warm and the air cools. A comfortable time for the gardens.

Good time to visit

Good

Spring

March to May

Warm, sunny days that suit the beach, though it gets hot by May.

Good time to visit

Good

Summer

June to September

Very hot. Swim early or late, and enjoy the spa, cafes and indoor spaces.

Good time to visit

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

A few useful things to know before you go there.

Book Ahead
Non-guest access is usually through a reservation, tour or day pass, so plan before you arrive.
Agree What's Included
Confirm what a day pass, tour or afternoon tea covers, and the price, before you pay.
Dress Smart
Wear smart casual clothes in public areas and modest swimwear on the beach.
Bring Sun Protection
The sun is strong, so carry a hat and sunscreen for the gardens and beach.
Carry a Card
Most venues take cards, but prices are high, so check menus first.
Go in Late Afternoon
The light on the domes is best, and the heat is easier to handle.
Respect the Property
It is a private hotel, so follow staff instructions and keep your voice down.
Plan Your Budget
Dining, spa treatments and day passes are premium priced, so set a plan before you visit.

Nearby Attractions

Ferrari World Yas Island

Red-roofed, indoor and built for speed, the first Ferrari-branded theme park sits on Yas Island and is a headline attraction of the UAE.

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Louvre Abu Dhabi

A floating dome, a seaside museum city and masterpieces from every era, one of the most striking art museums in the Middle East.

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Qasr Al Watan

A pale granite palace, a vast Great Hall under a white dome and a nightly light show, the UAE's presidential palace is open to visitors.

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Gleaming white domes, mirror-like pools and handcrafted marble, one of the most photographed landmarks in the UAE and a place of peace in the capital.

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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Superheroes, cartoon legends and big rides under one air-conditioned roof, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world.

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Yas Waterworld

Record-breaking slides, lazy rivers and an Emirati pearl-diving story, one of the best-known water parks in the Gulf.

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Corniche Beach

Soft sand, calm Gulf water and a city skyline behind you, one of the most popular public seafronts in the UAE capital.

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Location

Find Us on the Map

Explore Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi and get directions easily.