Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel has joined the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group portfolio and been rebranded as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

The property has unveiled an extensive renovation, featuring new spa and sports facilities, updated dining experiences and an exclusive area for members and suite guests, The EP Club.

Refurbished accommodation includes Mandarin Oriental’s signature suites and the region’s first vegan rooms, which boast “compassionate design”, sustainable bedding, plant-based in-room dining options and cruelty-free bathroom amenities. 

Enhanced dining options include the one-Micheline-starred Talea by Antonia Guida and culinary destination Episodes, which comprises a tea apothecary, a deli, a cake shop and a gelateria.

The new The Spa at Mandarin Oriental features a new range of skincare products by Tata Harper and Oto as well as exclusive Acqua di Parma Barbiere services and retail products. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the hotel to commemorate the milestone, with Mandarin Oriental group chief executive James Riley and chief commercial officer Joanna Flint joined by Emirates Palace Company (EPCO) chairman Mohammed Al Junaibi and managing director Sultan Al Hemeiri and other senior EPCO officials. 

The ceremony saw the unveiling of Mandarin Oriental's signature fan, which was designed by Abu Dhabi-born multi-disciplinary artist Ahmad Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri and inspired by the United Arab Emirates’ tradition of pearl diving. 

“Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for our brand and confirms our commitment to the region,” Riley said.

“The palace is a globally recognised landmark in the UAE and we are delighted to manage a property with such rich historical and cultural relevance.”

Junaibi added: “We are thrilled as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi enters a new golden era of hospitality. Guided by the legacy and expertise of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the resort is set to become an icon of global luxury in line with our leadership’s quest to extend world-class hospitality to anyone visiting or living in the UAE.”