Hot Opening: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

By Staff -- HOTELS Magazine, 4/1/2007

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts is operating what is considered to be the most expensive hotel ever built at a reported US$3 billion—the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The design of the hotel incorporates the beauty of traditional Arabian elements such as the Grand Atrium dome finished in silver and gold glass mosaic tiles, and topped by a golden finial. The color mirrors the shades of the desert. The building is 1 kilometer in length and has, in reality, three interconnecting elements. It is a 346-room ultra-luxury hotel, complete with private butler service for every guest. It is also the Middle East’s most sophisticated convention center and official guest palace of the government of Abu Dhabi, with 22 three-bedroom suites capable of hosting as many heads of state and their entourages.

The Emirates Palace includes the following:

• 1000 staff members representing 40 nationalities
• 114 domes, of which the largest—the Grand Atrium—is higher than the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
• The Emirates Palace Archway, covered in Italian stone, and bigger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
• 1002 Swarovski crystal chandeliers, including some of the world’s largest
• Over one million square feet of marble, imported from Italy, Spain, China, and India
• 200 fountains amid 600 acres of exotic park grounds, home to over 8,000 trees, and the palace’s private heliport
• A mile-long stretch of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful sandy beach.

Throughout the entire palace, roses abound: in the rooms, in the public areas, in the private spaces - some 20,000 are used every day. Two extensive landscaped pools are located on the grounds, and two spas will shortly be open. By the end of 2005, all 20 restaurants will be operating.