PRESS KIT
Contents
Message from the General Manager
Emirates Palace
Dining at Emirates Palace
Signature Dish
Emirates Palace Spa
Conference & Banqueting
Special Facilities
ntroducing the Award-Winning Team
Facts & Figures
Awards
The Summary
A WELCOME FROM HOLGER SCHROTH, GENERAL MANAGER
Marhaba. Welcome to Emirates Palace.
As Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmark, Emirates Palace embraces the rich culture and colourful traditions of this region. Through luxurious amenities and personalized service, we invite you to experience the warmth and generosity of Arabian hospitality at the premier address in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
A beautiful palace on its own stretch of private beach, the façade of the building is breath-taking. The architects and designers used gold and marble with help from the best international artisans to create a spectacular resort, making it one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues ever built. With 394 rooms and suites, the Palace has been carefully designed and furnished to offer guests superior comfort and luxury.
Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure all around the world in one of the fourteen restaurants and lounges throughout the Palace. Choose from the refined all-day restaurant, Le Vendome Brasserie, with its sumptuous international buffet, or our award-winning Emirati restaurant, Mezlai, showcasing more than 100 different local dishes. From an authentic taste of Italy at Mezzaluna to succulent meats off the grill at BBQ Al Qasr, fresh seafood at Sayad and contemporary Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan, Emirates Palace boasts award-winning restaurants in every corner.
If you are looking to unwind and relax, look no further than the 85 hectares of manicured lawns and recreational facilities within the Palace grounds. Indulge in the luxury of beauty and open space offered by our pristine 1.3km white sandy beach, or soak up some sun along the two lushly landscaped swimming pools and terraces – one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun. Or opt for a rejuvenating treatment at Emirates Palace Spa, a friendly match at one of the four tennis courts, an adrenaline rush at the water sport centre, or an invigorating work out at one of the two state-of-the-art fitness centres.
On the west end of the beach, the Emirates Palace Marina can accommodate up to 167 yachts, providing five-star marina services for yachts of many sizes.
We encourage you to explore the multitude of activities and options on offer all year round. Whether you are traveling as a family or by yourself, Emirates Palace is the perfect holiday destination in the region.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Palace.
Sincerely,
Holger Schroth
General Manager
EMIRATES PALACE
Emirates Palace offers world-class accommodation. Since its inception in 2005, VIP guests, celebrities, heads of states, and royal families from all over the globe have enjoyed the service truly befitting of kings and queens.
With 302 rooms and 92 suites adorned with the finest upholstery and craftsmanship, the Palace stands apart from its competition in the city, a testament to the renowned quality and bespoke service of this iconic Abu Dhabi landmark.
The Grand rooms are spread throughout the East and West Wings, offering calm tranquillity away from the lively lobby. Measuring one kilometre from wing to wing, both wings boast spectacular suites – Khaleej, Khaleej Deluxe, and Royal Khaleej Deluxe – overlooking the clear blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. The Palace Suites, the crème de la crème of luxury accommodation in the Middle East, form the centre of the Palace’s grand design.
302 Grand Rooms
Tranquil colour combinations of light blue, gold and crème in the silk upholstery, brightened up by honey brown wooden veneer and marble floorings, create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. The room categories enjoy magnificent views of either lush gardens (Coral) or partial sea views (Pearl) or the glistening blue waves of the Arabian Sea (Diamond) gently breaking onto the beautiful beach.
40 Khaleej and Khaleej Deluxe Suites
Strategically located at the corners of the East and West Wings, the Khaleej and Khaleej Deluxe Suites comprise a spacious lounge area, bedroom and a luxury bathroom. Offering many options for entertainment, both categories also enjoy spectacular 180-degree scenic sea views. An ambience of elegant grandeur is enhanced by exquisite Spanish marble details, decorative chandeliers of textured Graniglia glass with a beige and gold finish, and 100 percent silk embroidered fabrics.
4 Royal Khaleej Suites
Overlooking an unobstructed view of the palm tree-lined sandy beach and the crystal blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the contemporary Royal Khaleej Suites contain a beautifully-dressed king size bed and a fully-appointed bathroom with an accompanying Jacuzzi. Adornments of gold, delicate silks and Swarovski crystal chandeliers give you a truly presidential experience. Relax and treat yourself to bespoke service, delicate décor, and expansive vistas.
48 Palace Suites
Your private palace within the Palace, the Palace Suites represent luxury at its finest with a spacious living area, elegant dining room and three regal bedrooms. A lavish entrance hall adorned with soft hues of gold and silver under Swarovski crystal chandeliers will lead you into a plush living room decorated in delicate yellow or blue silks and Daum crystal masterpieces. The elegant dining room boasts only the finest cuisine.
Each Palace Suite can be separated into individual sections, and booked either in its entirety (three bedrooms) or as one or two bedroom suites.
DINING AT EMIRATES PALACE
Le Vendôme Brasserie
Enliven your gastronomic senses at the buffet at Le Vendôme Brasserie, offering you exotic flavours combined with classic international cuisine. Located on the lobby level (4th floor) of Emirates Palace, Le Vendôme Brasserie boasts elegant indoor dining or outdoor seating reminiscent of the world’s most beautiful terraces.
Let us take you wherever you want to go, whenever your heart desires.
Seating capacity:100 guests (Indoor) and 120 (Outdoor)
Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 11:00 am, 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Sayad
Sayad (Arabic for fisherman), the contemporary seafood restaurant located on the ground floor of Emirates Palace, has been transformed into a chic, classical brasserie serving your favourite seafood dishes with a modern twist.
The lounge style seating area spread across the terrace is a great place to unwind and admire the sunset or starry night. The terrace offers views of the marina and our white sandy beach.
Seating capacity:65 guests (indoor) and 45 (outdoor)
Opening Hours: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Mezzaluna
Serenade your palate with rich Mediterranean culinary delights at the award winning Mezzaluna. Venetian murals and motifs create the perfect ambiance for a truly Italian experience.
Located on the ground level of Emirates Palace with views of the beach and marina, Mezzaluna offers indoor and outdoor dining options in addition to two private dining rooms.
Seating capacity: 80 guests (indoor) and 40 (outdoor)
Opening Hours: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
BBQ Al Qasr
A feast for the senses, BBQ Al Qasr is a relaxing al fresco dining experience. This outdoor grill offers diners an extensive à la carte menu, and the most romantic table in the city.
Positioned between the hotel’s dining terrace and the tranquil Arabian Sea, BBQ Al Qasr combines an idyllic beachside setting with excellent cuisine and service, all accompanied by aromatic blends of Arabian shisha and live entertainment.
Seating capacity:96 guests
Opening Hours: 7:00 pm to 12:00 am
Mezlai
Mezlai is one of the first restaurants in the UAE to feature Emirati cuisine with a Middle Eastern touch to suit the palate of a multicultural environment. Its traditional atmosphere, design and authentic Emirati cuisine will give you an experience to savour, combining luxury and tradition.
Located on the ground level of Emirates Palace, Mezlai offers indoor and outdoor dining options in addition to three private dining rooms.
Seating capacity: 87 guests (indoor) and 48 (outdoor)
Opening Hours: 1:00 pm to 10.30 pm
Mawal
Mawal invites you on an unforgettable culinary journey from Lebanon to Abu Dhabi. Enjoy true Levantine hospitality and traditional Lebanese Cuisine accompanied by an expansive sea view.
Located on the ground level of Emirates Palace, Mawal offers the finest mezzeh, the sweetest desserts, and the warmth of our Ahlan Wasahlan.
Seating capacity: 200 guests (indoor) and 120 (outdoor)
Opening Hours: 12:30 pm to 12 am
Hakkasan
Hakkasan offers a unique take on modern Chinese cuisine. In possession of instant glamour, Hakkasan offers a modernity that combines opulent design, Asian contemporary ambiance, ambitious cooking and accomplished service.
Located on the lobby level (4th floor) of Emirates Palace, Hakkasan signature dishes include Peking duck with Royal Beluga caviar, crispy duck salad and grilled Wagyu beef ribs with XO sauce alongside a set of dishes created especially for an Emirati clientele. Exuding an air of a chic retreat, forget the life you left outside.
Seating capacity:171 guests (indoor) and 63 (outdoor)
Opening Hours: Lunch 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (Friday – Saturday only)
Dinner 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Bar 6:00 pm to 2:00 am
Le Café
Let us whisk you away to Vienna’s sidewalk cafes for a rich cup of coffee and delicious homemade pastries or delicate sandwiches. Located conveniently on the lobby level (4th floor) of Emirates Palace, Le Café is the ideal place to meet, greet, and mingle.
From gold drizzled chocolates to tantalizing teas, Le Café offers the perfect setting for a drink, a meeting or an aperitif prior to the restaurant destination of your choice.
Seating capacity: 120 guests (indoor)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Cascades
Enjoy the outdoors at Cascades along the West Wing Adventure Pool, where you will be surrounded by flowing currents, rock-lined pools, and a range of recreational activities for the entire family.
Cascades offers delectable cuisine that changes with the seasons in a casual atmosphere, along with a special children’s menu. Exclusively for in-house guests and beach club members.
Seating capacity:46 guests (indoor)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Las Brisas
Feel the refreshing sea breeze alongside the East Wing Relaxation Pool while savouring freshly prepared salads and grills.
Deliciously perfect for a sunny day of beachside relaxation, the East Pool allows guests to turn down the fun by a couple of notches with Jacuzzis, sun loungers, African day beds and pool hammocks.
Seating capacity:46 guests (indoor)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Havana Club
Havana Club boasts a selection of the world’s finest
Cognacs, Armagnac’s and cigars, sure to impress the most discerning connoisseurs. Havana Club will take you to a place where time stands still and pleasure reigns.
Located on the lobby level (4th floor) with its cigar leaf laden walls and humidors creating a sophisticated and opulent haven at the end of the day.
Seating capacity: 46 guests (indoor)
Opening Hours:6 pm to 2 am
Palace Ceremony
The Palace Ceremony ensures an opulent in-room dining experience, should you wish to indulge in it. We can serve, wait on you, and pamper you in the privacy of your own room or suite whilst you dine on gourmet dishes specially prepared for your palatable pleasure.
Choose from an expansive menu of delicious dishes from around the world.
SIGNATURE DISH
Emirates Palace Camel Burger
Taste the rich flavours of the region with the Emirates Palace signature dish, the 23 karat gold Camel Burger. A unique Arabic twist on a classic American favourite, the sumptuous camel mince patty is infused with local spices and offset by a touch of truffle mayonnaise on a gold-dusted bun.
As the juice dribbles down your chin, savour the tender meat with locally inspired condiments. Enjoy homemade Arabic pickles, traditional taboule salad, fried onion, and mozzarella cheese. As an added creative twist, chickpea fritters dusted in gold provide an authentic Arabic taste in an unconventional form.
The signature Camel Burger was created and introduced in 2012, after several months of culinary brain-storming, endless tasting-sessions and a hotly-contested qualifying heat by competing teams from the hotel’s restaurants. In celebration of locally produced products, a total of twenty options were narrowed down to five, from which the victorious burger was announced. The signature Camel Burger is now a popular item on the Le Cafe, BBQ Al Qasr, Mezlai, pool bars and in-room dining menus, and a must-try item at Emirates Palace.
EMIRATES PALACE SPA
Drawing inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural traditions and the natural beauty of the Arabian Sea, Emirates Palace is proud to introduce its new spa. Featuring an exotic blend of Moroccan-inspired interiors, domes and graceful archways interlaced with delicate furnishings and spa fittings, enjoy everything from a manicure to a Moroccan Hammam treatment, as well as barber services for gentlemen.
Popular treatments are combined with new products and spa practices to introduce a menu of bespoke experiences unparalleled in the bustling capital of the UAE. Partnering with famous brands such as Amra, Forlle’d, Bastien Gonzales and Gentlemen’s Tonic, step into the new Emirates Palace Spa to experience luxury and relaxation like never before, with world class products and purely indulgent packages aimed to ignite a sense of balance and serenity. Choose from a selection of exclusive soulful escapes, where pearls, gold and minerals are a real and glamorous pampering to your skin.
Embark on a journey where mystical enchantment is created, self-reflection is embraced and remarkable encounters are the key to creating a haven for all time travellers.
CONFERENCE & BANQUET
The premier meeting and conference destination in the city, Emirates Palace attracts business drivers and key decision makers from around the world to its beautiful front steps.
Within a total meeting and conference space exceeding 7,000 sqm, Emirates Palace boasts an Auditorium and Ballroom accommodating 1,100 and 2,400 guests, respectively. In addition, over 40 meeting rooms, six large terraces and a variety of pre-function areas provide many options for private meetings, cocktail receptions, banquets, concerts and congresses. Set in 85 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens with vast picturesque lawns, the Palace offers spectacular outdoor venues for gala dinners and events.
With such diverse venue options, Emirates Palace plays host to a spectacular cultural calendar including the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the best in world sports action the annual Coutts Polo at the Palace. A destination that caters to every need and desire, that brings influential figures from every industry together, the Palace is where decisions are made.
SPECIAL FACILITIES
Beach Club
The exclusive Beach Club at Emirates Palace allows members and in-house guests to experience an array of leisure and sporting facilities within the UAE’s ultimate resort. Whether you are single, a couple or a family with children, the Beach Club offers an escape from the pressures of the working week and the responsibilities of real life, giving you time to unwind whilst never compromising on the luxury you deserve.
Discover a six-kilometre path of discovery with a bicycle ride or jog through the well-manicured gardens. Or splash in the two outdoor pools. Stroll along the 1.3 km stretch of private beach, or set your adrenaline pumping with watersports. From cricket and football pitches to floodlit tennis courts, badminton, and a beach volleyball court, members and day-users can explore a variety of activities and decide if they would prefer to stay dry or if they would rather take a dip in the Arabian Gulf.
Beyond the beach and plethora of activities available, members and day-users can also enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality with Arabic coffee or saffron tea and dates under the ‘Bedouin Tents of Arabia,’ or a camel ride along the coast for an extra touch of local culture.
VIB (Very Important Babies)
We trust that our most loyal customers come back to the hotels where they formed the best memories, and believe it is never too early to show our guests the extent of our services.
Emirates Palace created the Very Important Babies (VIB), a special children’s program to foster remarkable experiences for our young guests by providing high standard service with the care of skilled and attentive staff as well as exceptional services and children’s amenities. We hope that our structured Kempinski Kids Program creates loyalty and lasting memories for our future guests.
THE EXECUTIVE TEAM
Holger Schroth, General Manager
With a long and distinguished career in hospitality, Holger Schroth brings a wealth of international experience and an affinity for the UAE to Abu Dhabi’s landmark property.
Prior to his appointment at Emirates Palace, Schroth spent three years with the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, where he oversaw the much-anticipated opening of the hotel and held a dual role as General Manager and Area Director of South East Asia.
In close to three decades of outstanding service in the hotel industry, Schroth’s sterling career has included various executive positions at Kempinski hotels in Germany, China, Hong Kong, Spain, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.
The appointment at Emirates Palace marks his return to the United Arab Emirates, having served as General Manager for Hotel Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Dubai from 2008 to 2010.
Fluent in German, English, French and Spanish, Schroth holds a European Executive MBA from Reims Management School in France, as well as academic and industry certifications from the United States and Germany.
Leon Baum, Hotel Manager
With an illustrious career highlighted by quick growth, and experience holding senior positions in two of Kempinski’s leading properties, Leon Baum is an integral member of the Emirates Palace management team.
A British national, Baum brings 17 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry to his role.
He began his career in the Front Office department at The Sloane Club in London, quickly working up the ladder to Front Office Manager before moving to the Dukes Hotel, London.
Baum began his career with Kempinski Hotels in 2006 at the prestigious The Stafford London by Kempinski. By 2011, he had risen to take the position of General Manager, before moving to Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul in 2013, where he held the position of Hotel Manager.
Baum joined Emirates Palace in August 2014. He oversees the daily operations at the iconic Abu Dhabi hotel, playing an active role in implementing key strategies and new initiatives throughout the property.
THE CULINARY TEAM
Stefan Trepp, Executive Chef
With an illustrious career spanning over twenty years in premier hotels and restaurants in his native Switzerland and around the world, Chef Stefan Trepp is at the heart of the culinary experience at Emirates Palace. He made culinary waves as a young sous chef and as the Executive Chef of Emirates Palace, will continue to consistently inspire the palates of discerning guests with avant-garde creations that are both visually stimulating and delightfully flavourful.
With a brigade of over 100 chefs and kitchens, Chef Stefan brings to bear an innate passion and a great wealth of knowledge in running large operations and in concept design, to continue to maintain Emirates Palace’s positioning in the area of fine dining. He has received many accolades, the most recent of which was the ‘2015 Schweizer Star Im Ausland’ (2015 Swiss Star Abroad) from the prestigious Gault & Millau, and has left an indelible mark in five-star properties he has worked in like the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
Sandra Newman, Chief Concierge
Sandra Newman started her hospitality career in Cape Town, South Africa, where she worked in various 5-star properties, forming the solid foundation which would pave her way in the world of hospitality.
Sandra obtained her Clefs D’or Golden Keys Concierge status in Abu Dhabi in 2010, showcasing the First Female Clefs D’or in the UAE.
This has added more flair to her profile, with professional connections to the Clefs D’or Society “Service through Friendship” unlocking several different doors in the view of exceeding guest expectations in all ways possible.
Bouchra Souizi, Lady in Red
Bouchra Souizi holds the prestigious post of Lady in Red at Emirates Palace.
Bouchra pursued university studies in biology, however, her passion for travel and interest in hospitality led her to an early career with Saudi Arabian Airlines as flight attendant.
She began her career at Emirates Palace in 2005 as a guest relations officer. Over the years, Bouchra showed exceptional ability in guest relations and proved capable of taking on a new role as the hotel’s Kempinski Ambassador, the Lady in Red.
Fluent in several languages and adept at guest relation management, Bouchra is indispensable as the Lady in Red at Emirates Palace. Her success throughout the ten years with the property reflects her passion and devotion to the hotel’s guests.
The Kempinski Ambassador role is active across the entire Kempinski portfolio and was created to compliment the work of the hotel concierge.
FACTS & FIGURES
Approximately $3 billion to build the property in 3 years with 20,000 workers
- 1 kilometre from wing to wing; 100 hectares total area
- 3 kilometre stretch of private beach
- 394 rooms and suites, ranging from 55 sqm to 680 sqm
- 40 meeting and conference rooms
- Ballroom with a guest capacity of 2,400 theatre style
- Auditorium with seated guest capacity of 1,100
- 8 escalators and 102 elevators, with a maximum capacity of 55 persons per elevator
- Marble imported from 13 countries around the world
- 12 external fountains and 8 indoor water features
- 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes
- 2 wall display carpets, handmade in Thailand, weighing 1 tonne each
- 818 parking spaces
- 619 plasma and LCD screens in guest rooms and meeting rooms
- 5 kg of pure edible gold is used per year for decoration, mainly on desserts and drinks
- 128 kitchens and pantries
- 5 kilometre jogging and cycling trail
- 114 domes, with the Central Dome at a height of 72.6 metres above ground
AWARDS
2016
- World Travel Awards: World’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort 2016
- World Travel Awards: Middle East’s Leading Hotel Suite, UAE’s Leading Hotel Suite,
Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel Suite, Middle East’s Leading MICE hotel and Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort.
World Spa Awards: World’s Best Hotel Spa, Middle East’s Best Spa and Abu Dhabi’s Best Hotel Spa.
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards
- Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
2015
- Institutional Investor Awards: 21st of the World’s Best Hotels
World Spa Awards: World’s Best Hotel Spa, World’s Best Spa Signature Treatment,
Abu Dhabi’s Best Hotel Spa and Middle East’s Best Hotel Spa.
- World Travel Awards: World’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort, Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel Suite : Palace Suite at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort, UAE’s Leading Resort, UAE’s Leading Hotel Suite: Palace Suite at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Middle East’s Leading Hotel Suite 2015: Palace Suite at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
THE SUMMARY
ADDRESS: Emirates Palace Hotel
West Corniche Road
P.O. Box 39999, Abu Dhabi, UAE
TELEPHONE: +971 (0) 2 690 9000
FACSIMILE: +971 (0) 2 690 9999
WEBSITE: www.emiratespalace.ae
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/emiratespalace
TWITTER: @emiratespalace
INSTAGRAM: @emiratespalace
OPEN SINCE: March 2005
OWNERS: Government of Abu Dhabi
MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Kempinski Hotels
GENERAL MANAGER: Holger Schroth
TOTAL ROOMS/SUITES: 394 rooms/suites
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: 24-Hour Multilingual Concierge
24-Hour In-Room Dining
Butler Service
Private Airport Transfer
Laundry/Dry Cleaning/Pressing Services
Business Center
Palace Lounge (Suite bookers)
MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact:
Mohammed Alaoui
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +971 2 690 7928 • Mob: +971 50 611 3960 Email: mohammed.alaoui@emiratespalace.ae