Emirates Palace hotel how we built it - in pictures

The Emirates Palace Hotel under construction in 2004. The luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi opened a year later. Photo: Alamy
The Emirates Palace Hotel under construction in 2004. The luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi opened a year later. Photo: Alamy
Emirates Palace opened in time to host the Gulf Co-operation Council summit in 2005. Photo: Alamy
Emirates Palace opened in time to host the Gulf Co-operation Council summit in 2005. Photo: Alamy
An illustration of the hotel by Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo, the architecture firm that designed it. Photo: WATG
An illustration of the hotel by Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo, the architecture firm that designed it. Photo: WATG
The impressive approach is part of the hotel's design. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
The impressive approach is part of the hotel's design. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
Sand for the beach was imported from Algeria. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
Sand for the beach was imported from Algeria. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
The hotel's famed interiors of gold leaf. Christopher Pike / The National
The hotel's famed interiors of gold leaf. Christopher Pike / The National
Regional architectural motifs are incorporated into the design. Photo: WATG
Regional architectural motifs are incorporated into the design. Photo: WATG
Inside the main atrium. Christopher Pike / The National
Inside the main atrium. Christopher Pike / The National
A domed ceiling. Stephen Lock / The National
A domed ceiling. Stephen Lock / The National
The hotel against the backdrop of the Etihad Towers and Abu Dhabi skyline. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
The hotel against the backdrop of the Etihad Towers and Abu Dhabi skyline. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
The golden glow of the Emirates Palace at night. Photo: WATG
The golden glow of the Emirates Palace at night. Photo: WATG
The hotel commands a view of the Arabian Gulf. Photo: WATG
The hotel commands a view of the Arabian Gulf. Photo: WATG