Do you dream of visiting majestic Arabian palaces on your visit to Abu Dhabi?
When discussing Abu Dhabi, it’s important to clarify the distinction between different sorts of palaces, particularly from a tourist perspective.
The country, ruled by Sheikhs and with an incredibly oil-rich economy, has dozens of palaces. Two of the most famous sit side by side at the end of Abu Dhabi’s famous Corniche Road. Both are magnificent buildings demonstrating the country’s wealth and power—but there’s a very distinct difference!
In this guide, we’re going to talk you through the difference between Emirates Palace and The Presidential Palace – plus other palaces you’ll find in the capital and which can be visited.
Visiting Emirates Palace
Completed in 2005 and estimated to have cost 3 billion USD, the Emirates Palace is one of the most expensive buildings ever built. However, it is not the residence of one of Abu Dhabi’s wealthy sheikhs but a luxury hotel.
Located on a 1.3 km stretch of private beach, the 84-hectare site contains 394 rooms and suites, no fewer than 9 bars and restaurants, more than 200 fountains, a theatre rivalling those of London’s West End, and a 2,500-person capacity ballroom. It also houses an award-winning spa featuring a traditional hammam, two jacuzzis, two steam rooms, and an ice cave.
The interior decor blends natural stone, antique gold, and mother of pearl juxtaposed with rich velvet and brocade fabrics, providing a sense of opulence seen in few other places.
Outside, the gardens are a veritable paradise, with thoughtfully planted areas surrounding a well-designed pool featuring water slides, a waterfall, and a lazy river.
The hotel is currently managed by premium hotel chain Mandarin Oriental, but it was initially run by luxury giant Kempinski.
How to visit Emirates Palace
The easiest way to visit is to book in one of the hotel’s restaurants. This could be for anything from a gold-dusted coffee in the lobby to a full-on candlelit dinner at one of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.
The hotel has 9 (year-round) bars and restaurants, including several with Michelin Stars. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer:
- Broadway Brasserie & Bar – Elevated comfort food and curated cocktails
- Talea by Antonio Guida – A Michelin-star restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine
- Hakkasan – A renowned Cantonese restaurant with one Michelin-star – offering some of the best Abu Dhabi night time dining views
- Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi – Contemporary Indian
- The Lebanese Terrace – A menu inspired by Lebanon’s coastal cuisine
- ALMA – Soulful Mexican cuisine
- Cascades – Poolside favourites and healthy snacks
- Vendome – An all-day international buffet restaurant
- Episodes – The revamped cafe area features various boutique stalls offering the finest selection of viennoiserie, deli sandwiches and gelato
Note that a respectable dress standard is expected within the Palace grounds and buildings. Ladies should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should wear long trousers when not at the beach or pool area.
There are also seasonal offerings at Emirates Palace:
- Sand & Koal – Open-fire cooking
- Cafe Fountain – A sunset hot spot by the front of the palace
- Various Iftar and Suhoor offerings during Ramadan
You could also book a Palace Day Pass, which gives you access to the pool and private beach facilities or arrange a treatment at the hotel’s magnificent spa. You could also sign up for a scuba diving course at the hotel’s scuba diving centre.
We highly recommend afternoon tea at Episodes, which includes a whole host of delicious delicacies and can include the world-famous gold-dusted cappuccino!
If you’re really ready to push the boat out financially. You can find out exactly how much a night will cost you here!
The Presidential Palace – Qasr Al Watan
In contrast, Qasr al Watan is “the actual Palace”. Rather than a stately historic home of the president and his family, it is, in fact, the working office and house of government for the UAE.
Sitting on vast grounds occupying 380,000 acres at the tip of Abu Dhabi island, Qasr al Watan literally means ‘Palace of the Nation’. It was opened to the public in 2019.
The vast site contains the offices of the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as the Vice-President of the United Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed.
The main palace building is home to the UAE legislature and is, for the most part, open to the public.
Qasr Al Watan allows visitors to explore the UAE’s history and traditions further while they journey through a vast collection of cultural artefacts, art and rare manuscripts. Visitors will also be able to understand the Palace’s architecture and design, which incorporates the essence of the spirit of the United Arab Emirates.
Note as it is still a working Government office, it can be subject to last-minute closures for State business and Diplomatic guests – you can find the opening hours here.
We provide a complete photo guide to touring Qasr Al Watan over here
There are several visitor options to tour Qasr Al Watan.
We recommend buying a ticket in advance to visit Qasr Al Watan. Whilst it is possible to buy tickets on the door, capacity is limited, and you run the risk of turning up when the palace is closed on state business.
You can also take a guided tour rather than going it alone. If you’re happy to keep up with a group, this will ensure that you get the most out of your visit, as the guides are very knowledgeable and able to answer any questions that you might have.
Another option is to visit the palace as part of a tour package. If you are visiting as part of a delegation or tour group from Dubai, your ticket is likely to have already covered your entry and tour of the palace. Read the fine print of your ticket to see if this is included or if you need to add on a guided tour.
How to get there
If you are not visiting as part of a guided bus tour, there are numerous ways to get to Qasr Al Hosn by yourself, including public buses and taxis.
Qasr al Watan is also a dedicated stop on the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus and on the Visit Abu Dhabi free shuttle.
If you are travelling from Dubai, click here to find out more about getting to Abu Dhabi on public transport or via the Abu Dhabi Cultural Shuttle Bus. This little-advertised but convenient and FREE service takes passengers from Dubai to The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan.
Explore Tours to Abu Dhabi That Include Qasr Al Watan
Other Palaces Open to the Public
Now this covers the two most notable palaces in Abu Dhabi, but there are plenty more! Let’s look at a couple more which are open to the public:
Qasr Al Hosn
Another palace open to the public in Abu Dhabi city is Qasr Al Hosn. This fortified historic home of the ruling Al Nahyan family was one of the first buildings in Abu Dhabi. It is now an interactive and engaging museum that gives a broad insight into the city’s history and culture.
Sheikh Zayed Palace
The Sheikh Zayed Palace (also known as Al Ain Palace Museum) is located in Al Ain, over 150km from Abu Dhabi.
Constructed on the western side of the verdant Al Ain Oasis, the palace was home to the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed until 1966. It was converted into a museum in 1998 and now gives visitors an insight into royal life in the first half of the 20th Century.
In stark contrast to the modern Presidential Palace, it’s a fascinating stop for those wanting to learn more about the country’s humble beginnings and the Al Nahyan family.
(NB we understand the Palace Museum will temporarily close from 1 July 2024 for extensive renovations, re-opening date TBC)
To find out more about this museum and other places to visit on a day trip to Al Ain, click here
Suggested tours from Dubai & Abu Dhabi, which include a stop at the Palace Museum
Private Palaces in Abu Dhabi
Driving around the city, particularly in the Al Bateen area, you will see high, often ornate walls encircling vast houses and gardens. Some of these are government buildings, but more often than not, they are the city palaces of Abu Dhabi’s richest residents.
You should not attempt to go inside, or take photographs of these buildings, as they are private homes and are not open to the public. There are strict privacy laws in Abu Dhabi, and taking photos, however innocently, could land you in big trouble.
One of these private palaces is known as Sea Palace or Qasr Al Bahr. This was the late Sheikh Zayed’s official residence and is a restricted area. The area around Sea Palace also takes its name and is currently being developed into a luxury residential area.
Abu Dhabi Palaces FAQs
We hope this has helped you clear up exactly what is meant by Abu Dhabi’s Palaces! You can find out more from the FAQs list below!
No. The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel, and the ruler of the UAE does not live there.
Rather a lot! Click on the link in the main article to check current rates, as they vary by season and day of the week. Expect rates to start from AED 1200++
Qasr Al Hosn is an old fortified palace made out of white coral stone. It was the home of the Al Nahyan Family for many years. Qasr Al Hosn is the modern presidential palace designed to impress!
Sheikh Zayed has several residences, notably the Sheikh Zayed Palace in Al Ain and Sea Palace in Al Bateen.
Gold-dusted cappuccinos are available at the Emirates Palace.
It is free to enter the Emirates Palace, but you must have a reservation either as a guest or at one of the hotel’s restaurants, cafes, beach club, or spa.
Tickets are currently available on the Qasr Al Watan website, and they are AED 65 per adult and AED 30 per child. To find out more, click here.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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