Overview
Emirates Palace opened in 2005 as one of the most lavish hotels in the world, a long, pale-pink building with more than a hundred domes, set in about 85 hectares of gardens on the west side of the Corniche. Its design draws on Arabian palaces, with arches, columns, marble floors and a central dome decorated with gold leaf and mosaic. The hotel was later managed by Mandarin Oriental, and it is still known by its original name.
Day visitors can often see the lobby and public halls by taking afternoon tea, a meal or a drink, and the hotel is known for a cappuccino sprinkled with gold flakes. A private beach, lagoon pools and a marina lie behind the main building. Close by, the Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, can be visited on a ticket, and the Corniche and Etihad Towers are a short drive away.
Highlights
- The grand central dome and the marble halls
- Afternoon tea or a gold cappuccino in the lobby
- The gardens, the beach and the lagoon pools
- Views of the Corniche and the city from the grounds
Best time to visit
October to April is the best time, with warm sea, clear skies and comfortable evenings in the gardens. Summers are very hot and humid, though the hotel is air-conditioned and the pools are open. Weekends and holidays are busy.
- JanJanuary: Best
- FebFebruary: Best
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Best
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Abu Dhabi (AUH), about 35 to 40 minutes by taxi. The hotel is on the west Corniche, with a long entrance drive, and taxis and ride-hailing services can enter the grounds. Guests are collected by hotel cars, and non-guests should reserve a table to enter.
What to expect
Access beyond the lobby is mostly limited to hotel guests and people with a booking for a restaurant, afternoon tea or a spa. Dress smartly, and ask about the dress code when reserving. Prices are high, and security checks apply at the gate.
Practical tips
- Reserve a table for afternoon tea or a meal to be admitted, and ask about the dress code.
- Go in the late afternoon to see the building in good light, and stay for the sunset.
- Take a taxi, as the entrance drive is long and there is no public walking route.
- Combine with the Corniche and Qasr Al Watan next door.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit if I am not staying there?
Usually yes, with a booking for afternoon tea, a restaurant or a spa. Walk-in visits are limited, so ask first.
What is the gold cappuccino?
A coffee served with edible gold flakes, a well-known speciality of the hotel.
Is it near other sights?
Yes, Qasr Al Watan, the Corniche and Etihad Towers are all close.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Visit Abu Dhabi, the official tourism website
- Visit Dubai, the official tourism website
- UAE government portal: visas and entry
- UK government travel advice: United Arab Emirates
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: xiquinhosilva (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, xiquinhosilva (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Chris Down (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
