Emirates Palace

Wow!!! Beautiful!!! The first words spoken as Christine and I entered the Palace.

These gentlemen greeted us and opened the doors of the taxi and the doors entering the Palace. They told me that they take turns being inside and outside every 30 minutes. With their dress and the heat, it is extremely HOT!!

 The next 3 photographs are paintings of the Sheikhs here in the UAE.

All clocks at the Palace are Rolex. As a matter of fact, they are at our hotel too. 

 This beautiful young woman is part of the guest services department. There were several of them as we entered who immediately approached us and other guests. We loved her outfit!

 This is our tour guide. I will try to tell you the highlights of the tour with each picture.

 This is the dome (looking up) of the center of the Palace. The Palace took 3 year to build and approximately $3 billion to build along with 20,000 workers. Marble was brought in from 13 different countries to complete the Palace.

 Sitting area in the center. This is largest dome of the 114 domes in the Palace.

 This is the auditorium in the Palace which is currently under maintenance. Awards, concerts and high profile events happen here. 1,100 guests can be seated here.

 This is the business and meeting area.

 

 These 2 rugs show the Palace during the day and at night. Each is a 1 ton rug, hand woven in Thailand. Each taking 3 years to complete.

 This is the Japanese Tea House which was gift from Thailand to the Sheikh. Occassionally, there are classes on tea.

 A hallway with palms lining.

 A sitting area. Take note of the horse painting and the detailed ceiling.

 This is the Grand Ballroom. Each chandelier is constructed with Swarovski crystals. The first chandelier is unlit and the largest of them in the ballroom.

 These 3 chandeliers are gold leaf plated. 5kg of pure edible gold is used per year to decorate mainly desserts.

 This is the elevator that is only entered if you are accompanied by someone in guest services. The "Rulers Suite" is on the 8th floor and only for the Sheikh of the UAE. This girl had been working at the Palace for 5 years and had never been there. She did say there is tons of security there.

Floors 7 and 8 are Palace Suites where we got to see one. GORGEOUS!!

Floor 5 is the VIP Majlis or a gathering place.

Floor 4 is the Palace Dome-Lobby where everyone enters the Palace.

Floor 3 is the Mezzanine

Floor 1 is Council Chambers where meetings are held. For example, the G6 Summit.

Not sure why there is no Floor 2.

 Here is Palace Suite 1714. You enter through a hallway and into the dining area. Each plate is gold plated and the crystal goblets cost 750 dirhams each.

 This is the bedroom...HUGE!!!!!!!!!!

 The business area in the room with a desk, chair, and huge TV.

 The massive tub in the bathroom.

 Bathroom

 Double sinks in the MASSIVE bathroom.

The Palace was AMAZING!!!! The pictures certainly do not do justice to the beautifulness of it.

 

Other facts:

• There are 1,200 employees from 60 different countries
• There are 12 external fountains and 8 indoor water features
• 394 suites and rooms in 2 wings, east wing and west wing, both are identical.
• There are 8 escalators and 102 elevators
• You can stay in the Palace Suite which includes 3 rooms for 50,000 dirhams per night which is $13,612.85. OR you can get 1 room in the suite for 25,000 dirhams or $6,806.43.

 

Anyone ready to book a room for vacation ;-)