Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
An iconic beachfront landmark in Abu Dhabi, offering opulent Arabian luxury, exquisite dining, and breathtaking architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea.
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
Best Time
Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic beachfront landmark in Abu Dhabi, offering opulent Arabian luxury, exquisite dining, and breathtaking architecture.
"A masterpiece of Arabian luxury, redefining opulence with its newly renovated rooms and suites."
👗 Dress Modestly
No shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops allowed for entry. Dress respectfully to admire the palace's grandeur.
☕ Book a Cafe Visit
A popular way to see the interior is by booking a cafe reservation. Enjoy a coffee and soak in the luxury.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Architecture
Lobby and common areas
Marvel at the opulent gold leaf decor and intricate Arabian design. A true feast for the eyes!

Afternoon Tea Experience
Episodes lounge
Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea with exquisite pastries and a wide selection of teas.

Beachfront Views
Private beach
Enjoy the pristine 1.3 km private beach and breathtaking sea or garden views.
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code for Entry
Accessing the Palace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Dress Modestly
No shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops allowed for entry. Dress respectfully to admire the palace's grandeur.
☕ Book a Cafe Visit
A popular way to see the interior is by booking a cafe reservation. Enjoy a coffee and soak in the luxury.
💰 Splurge on Cappuccino
Try the famous $20 cappuccino adorned with gold leaf for a unique Emirates Palace experience.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The architecture is stunning! Staff like Jahidul can help capture your perfect palace photo.
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Dress Modestly
No shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops allowed for entry. Dress respectfully to admire the palace's grandeur.
☕ Book a Cafe Visit
A popular way to see the interior is by booking a cafe reservation. Enjoy a coffee and soak in the luxury.
💰 Splurge on Cappuccino
Try the famous $20 cappuccino adorned with gold leaf for a unique Emirates Palace experience.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The architecture is stunning! Staff like Jahidul can help capture your perfect palace photo.
✨ Emirates Pass Perks
If flying Emirates, check your boarding pass for potential discounts on activities and dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Emirates Palace is widely praised for its stunning architecture, luxurious ambiance, and high-quality dining experiences, particularly the afternoon tea. Guests often highlight the grandeur and beauty of the property, with many staff members noted for their helpfulness. However, some visitors have experienced service delays, particularly with luggage and buggy services, suggesting room for improvement in operational efficiency.
"It’s really a great place, and everything perfect. We enjoyed every moment here.
The perfection shows every detail and is built by every staff. When we want to take a picture in front of the gate, the staff Jahidul is really helpful and gave us the best picture shooting, even if he stepped into the water. We really appreciate it.
What a nice experience!❤️"
Billy Hu
"Emirates Palace is undoubtedly stunning — the architecture is grand, the rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the restaurants offer a great selection of high-quality food. The property itself is beautifully maintained and truly feels like a palace.
However, the service leaves much to be desired. It took over 40 minutes just to get our bags, and getting a buggy (which is essential given the size of the property) involved long waits every time. It felt like there simply weren’t enough staff to meet the demand, which unfortunately detracted from the overall experience.
With improved service, this could easily be a five-star stay. As it stands, it’s a beautiful hotel with a frustratingly slow pace."
Ayesha Trips
"The stay was truly exceptional — breathtaking views, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of pure luxury. Every detail exudes elegance and refinement, making it well worth the visit. A perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and unforgettable experiences."
Oliver Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emirates Palace is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Taxis are readily available and a convenient way to reach the palace. If you're coming from Dubai, it's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
Yes, Emirates Palace offers parking facilities for visitors. Valet parking is also available, and you might even meet the tallest Emirati valet!
If you fly with Emirates, your boarding pass might grant you access to the 'My Emirates Pass' program, offering discounts on various activities and dining across the UAE, potentially including at Emirates Palace or nearby attractions.
Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace) are located next to each other, making them easy to visit in one trip. A short taxi ride or a pleasant walk is possible between the two.
While taxis are the most common and convenient option, you can check local Abu Dhabi bus routes for potential connections, though direct routes to the palace might be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need a specific entry ticket to visit the public areas of Emirates Palace. However, booking a reservation at one of its cafes or restaurants is a common way to gain access and explore the lobby.
Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders are recommended.
You can enter the lobby area without a reservation, but you will be subject to the dress code. For access to specific lounges or restaurants, reservations are typically required.
While formal guided tours might not be readily available for general visitors, you can experience the palace's grandeur by booking a dining or afternoon tea experience.
The public areas and cafes within Emirates Palace are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening times for dining venues can vary, so it's best to check their individual schedules.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Emirates Palace. However, always be mindful of other guests and avoid intrusive photography, especially of staff.
The grand lobby with its gold leaf ceiling and intricate designs is a prime photo spot. The exterior architecture and the beachfront also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact Emirates Palace management in advance to inquire about permits and specific guidelines.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while the interior's grandeur is impressive at any time. Consider the lighting for your desired aesthetic.
It's important to respect the privacy of staff members. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Emirates Palace boasts a variety of dining venues, from fine dining restaurants like the Michelin-starred Hakkasan to more casual cafes and lounges offering international and Emirati cuisine.
Many visitors rave about the afternoon tea experience, praising the exquisite presentation, delicious pastries, and attentive service, particularly from staff like Mr. Dino.
A cappuccino at Emirates Palace is famously known to be around $20, partly due to the gold leaf decoration.
While Emirates Palace offers diverse dining, for authentic Arabic cuisine like Mandi and Kunafa, you might explore restaurants in Abu Dhabi city.
Yes, you can enjoy Saturday lunch dim sum at the Michelin-starred Hakkasan restaurant located within Emirates Palace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Emirates Palace as a Visitor
For a truly memorable experience, consider the afternoon tea at the Episodes lounge. Guests consistently praise the exceptional service, particularly from staff like Mr. Dino, and the beautifully presented, delicious pastries and teas. Even a simple coffee can be an experience, with the famous $20 cappuccino adorned with gold leaf offering a unique, albeit pricey, taste of the palace's extravagance. These experiences provide a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle associated with Emirates Palace, making it a worthwhile visit for many.
Beyond the immediate luxury, Emirates Palace is situated on 100 hectares of lush gardens with a 1.3 km private beach, offering beautiful views and photo opportunities. While exploring the grounds might be more restricted for non-guests, the visual appeal from accessible areas is undeniable. The palace's proximity to other Abu Dhabi landmarks like Qasr Al Watan also makes it a convenient stop on a day of sightseeing.
Luxury and Service at Emirates Palace
However, some visitors have noted that the service, particularly for non-guests or during peak times, can sometimes fall short of expectations. Issues like long waits for luggage or buggies have been mentioned, suggesting that while the property is magnificent, the operational efficiency in managing guest flow could be improved. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment remains that Emirates Palace offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending comfort, sophistication, and a touch of Arabian grandeur. The dedication of staff, like Jahidul who assisted with photos, is also frequently cited as a positive aspect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit