Multi-award winning Emirates Palace Hotel celebrates its five-year anniversary this year with a raft of events and openings.

The hotel, which has won numerous World Travel Awards, will be opening two new restaurants this year to celebrate the anniversary.

The region’s first Emirati restaurant will open in April as well as a branch of the Michelin-starred Hakassan.

This year also sees the opening of Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, the World Rally Championships and the 2010 Formula 1.

Speaking exclusively to Breaking Travel News, sales and marketing director Janet Abrahams said the hotel, which is exhibiting at this year’s ITB, is also targeting new markets this year including China, Japan - following the launch of a direct route by Etihad to Tokyo - and South America.

Ms Abrahams (pictured) said: “As well as the restaurant openings we are also improving the marina, allowing super-yachts to dock here, and we are also encouraging guests to visit in August with a stay five nights get one free offer.”