The Emirates Palace

Located on Abu Dhabi's waterfront, the Emirates Palace is one of the most expensive hotels in Abu Dhabi and a cultural hub. Visitors have access to only certain areas of the hotel like the lobby, exhibitions and outdoor areas. If a stay at the 7-star hotel is not possible, one can still experience the hotel's luxuries with the guided tour.

The grand building of the Emirates Palace is an iconic structure of Abu Dhabi in the same way as Burj Khalifa is to Dubai. The place is adorned with dauntless domed gatehouses along with flying ramps to the vestibule, 114 domes and a private beach with 1.3km coastline. The lofty structure of the palace was built at the cost of AED 11 billion, epitomizing magnificence with 1002 crystal chandeliers and 400 luxury rooms and suites. Serving as a cultural centre for the city, one need not check in to the hotel to explore its lavishness.

The palace is renowned for hosting operas and orchestras during Abu Dhabi Classics concert season. It also screens the Abu Dhabi Film Festival thus helping in cultural expansion of the city. Other attractions of the place include Barakat gallery exhibiting the fine arts from Egypt, China, Greece, Rome and Africa; the famous afternoon high tea in the vestibule (AED 160); and gold bars dispensing ATM.