Mandarin Oriental has announced plans to take over the management of the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi.
The luxury property is currently managed by Kempinski, but will be rebranded under the Mandarin Oriental portfolio from January 1, 2020.
The hotel will then undergo a phased renovation programme over the next two years, with upgrades to rooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities. The property will remain open during the works.
The hotel originally opened in 2005, and currently features 394 rooms, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, an auditorium and ballroom, a private beachfront, marina, two swimming pools and two fitness centres.
Business Traveller reviewed the hotel shortly after it opened, and we also reported on the hotel installing what it claimed was the world’s first gold vending machine in 2010.
Mandarin Oriental opened its first two Middle Eastern properties this year – the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, and the Mandarin Oriental, Doha.
Commenting on the news, James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said:
“This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region.
“We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience.”
