Landmark
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
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Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi's monumental landmark hotel, a vast, golden-domed palace of a building set in sprawling manicured grounds and its own beach, built at staggering expense to showcase Arabian grandeur. Even for non-guests it's a destination: you can visit the opulent lobby and public areas, take the famous afternoon tea, and try the gold-flecked 'Palace Cappuccino' sprinkled with edible 23-karat gold. The scale is the spectacle, soaring domes, marble, crystal chandeliers, and gardens stretching to the Gulf.
It's pure Abu Dhabi opulence done with a certain dignity (it's a genuine luxury hotel, not a theme park), and a popular stop for the sheer over-the-top experience. Casual visitors are welcome in the public spaces, though dress smartly. Sunset over the grounds and domes is a fine time to visit.
Don't miss
- The golden-domed palatial architecture
- The opulent lobby, marble, and chandeliers
- Afternoon tea and the gold-flecked cappuccino
- The vast manicured grounds and private beach
- Sunset over the domes and gardens
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
You can visit on your own (no entry fee for the public areas, but you'll typically need a reason to be there (a meal, tea, or booking); smart dress is expected). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inAbu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour From Dubai4.8★ · 4,005 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$28 per personSee dates →
Best full dayDubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower4.9★ · 10,179 travelers9–10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$89 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleAbu Dhabi Layover City Sightseeing Tour - Private & Flexible4.9★ · 53 travelers4–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$85 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- It's a working luxury hotel, public areas are open, but dress smartly and ideally have a meal or tea booking.
- The gold-flecked cappuccino and afternoon tea are the signature indulgences.
- The grounds and domes are stunning at sunset.
- It's a popular spot for photos, be respectful of hotel guests.
A bit of history
Opened in 2005 and built at a cost famously running into billions, Emirates Palace was conceived as a statement of Emirati hospitality and grandeur, hosting heads of state and major events. It is now operated as a Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Common questions
Can I visit if I'm not a guest?
Yes, the public areas are open to visitors, typically in conjunction with afternoon tea, a meal, or a booking. Smart dress is expected.
What's the gold cappuccino?
A signature 'Palace Cappuccino' dusted with edible 23-karat gold flakes, an over-the-top Abu Dhabi indulgence.
Is it worth visiting?
For the sheer opulence and scale, the domes, marble, and grounds, yes, especially if you stop for tea and a look around.
When's the best time to go?
Afternoon for tea, or late afternoon into sunset for the golden light on the domes and gardens.
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