Emirates Palace Hotel, the iconic beachfront resort, has officially rebranded as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, three years after the company took over operations of the Abu Dhabi hotel. The property changed hands from Kempinski on January 1, 2020, and since then, has seen an immense refurbishment project.
The palace first opened its doors in 2005. With 394 luxury rooms, a private 1.3km sandy white beach, 114 gold-covered domes, 24-carat gold edible flake-coffees as well as a gold vending machine in the lobby, the hotel has been a favorite among locals and visitors to the emirate.
To commemorate this milestone, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the hotel. HE Sultan Al Hemeiri, Managing Director of Emirates Palace Company (‘EPCO’), H.E. Sultan Al Hemeiri, Managing Director of EPCO, and other senior EPCO officials were welcomed by James Riley, group chief executive, and Joanna Flint, chief commercial officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
During the ceremony, they unveiled the hotel’s signature fan, which was designed by Abu Dhabi-born multidisciplinary artist Ahmad Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri and inspired by the UAE’s treasured tradition of pearl diving.
Commenting on the occasion, HE Mohammed Al Junaibi said: “We are thrilled as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi enters a new golden era of hospitality. Guided by the legacy and expertise of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the resort is set to become an icon of global luxury in line with our leadership’s quest to extend world-class hospitality to anyone visiting or living in the UAE.”
Commenting on the rebranding, Riley added: “Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for our brand and confirms our commitment to the region. The palace is a globally recognized landmark in the UAE and we are delighted to manage a property with such rich historical and cultural relevance.”
