Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace opened in 2005 as a hotel and a state guest house, spread over a kilometre of frontage with a central dome, more than a hundred smaller domes, its own marina and beach, and a scale that was extraordinary even by local standards. It functions as a public building as much as a hotel: the lobby, galleries and cafes are open to anyone, and the best-known ritual is taking a coffee or a cappuccino dusted with gold leaf in the atrium.

What you actually see

• The central dome - the main dome over the atrium, with more than a hundred smaller ones.
• The gold-leaf coffee - the hotel's signature drink served in the lobby cafe.
• The galleries - exhibition spaces along the public wings of the building.
• The gardens and beach - the grounds and private beach in front of the palace.

When to go

October to April for the outdoor areas. Evenings are best for the lit facade. Ramadan changes dining hours substantially.

Honest expectations

Dress standards in the public areas are enforced. Prices in the cafes and restaurants are very high, including for the famous coffee. Much of the building is for guests only and is not accessible.

Nearby

Qasr Al Watan is west, and the Corniche runs east.