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