Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi’s most famous hotel and one of its most recognisable landmarks: a kilometre-long palace of gold-tipped domes, marble halls and manicured gardens on the western Corniche. Now run as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, it welcomes visitors who aren’t staying the night to see the grand lobby, take photos at the entrance, and stop for coffee or afternoon tea.
A Symbol of Abu Dhabi’s Ambition
When Emirates Palace opened in 2005, it was built to announce Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination, and it did. Traditional Arabian design is scaled up almost beyond belief: 114 domes, a building about a kilometre from end to end, marble halls, gold-leaf detailing and vast gardens running down to its own private beach.
Today it’s managed by Mandarin Oriental and remains one of the most photographed buildings in the capital, a place people visit simply to see, as much as to stay.
Your Visit Step by Step
A visit to Emirates Palace is short but memorable. Here’s how it usually goes.
1. Arrival at the Grand Entrance
We drive up to the palace’s grand entrance, where the scale of the building, the domes and the fountains make an immediate impression. This is the classic photo spot.
2. The Lobby and Atrium
Step inside to the vast domed atrium, with its marble, gold-leaf detailing and chandeliers. Look up: the central dome is one of the most impressive interiors in Abu Dhabi. Exhibitions are sometimes on display in the public areas.
3. Coffee or Afternoon Tea (Optional)
Depending on your package, stop for coffee or afternoon tea in one of the palace’s lounges and try a treat finished with the hotel’s signature edible gold.
4. On to Qasr Al Watan or the Corniche
From here, it’s a short hop to Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace next door, or along the Corniche to Heritage Village.
Emirates Palace or Qasr Al Watan?
Visitors often mix up Abu Dhabi’s two palaces. Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel, free to enter for the lobby and public areas. Qasr Al Watan, next door, is a working presidential palace open to the public with a ticket, focused on the UAE’s culture and governance. They sit side by side, so it’s easy to see both in one visit.
What’s Included
- Return hotel transfers from Dubai / Abu Dhabi,
- Guide
- Stop at the grand entrance for photos
- Time to see the lobby and public areas
- Optional: coffee or afternoon tea inside (paid separately unless included)
What to Wear and Bring
- Smart casual clothing, covering shoulders and knees
- Closed shoes or smart sandals (no flip-flops)
- Camera or phone
- A card or cash if you plan to stop for tea
Who This Tour Is For
Anyone who loves architecture, grand interiors or a touch of luxury, whether or not they’re staying. It suits couples, design lovers and first-time visitors to Abu Dhabi, and works well as a short, photogenic stop between the city’s cultural landmarks.
Good to Know
- Free to visit the lobby; you pay only for food and drink
- Smart casual dress is expected in the public areas
- The beach, pools and rooms are for hotel guests only
- A typical visit takes 30 to 60 minutes
- Easy to combine with Qasr Al Watan next door, the Corniche and Heritage Village
Emirates Palace Packages
See Emirates Palace as part of a full day in Abu Dhabi, or pair it with Qasr Al Watan for a half day of the capital’s grandest buildings.
