Abu Dhabi’s iconic Emirates Palace started 2011 in trademark style with an indulgent spectacular Gala Ball. Hosted under the magnificent Palace Dome, more than 700 guests were entertained by the famous Big Band Des Bundeswehr from Germany.

After the final moments of the countdown, Emirates Palace guests welcomed in the new year with a breathtaking fireworks sound and light show viewed from the main entrance to the palatial resort. Following the show, live entertainment and chefs seasonal treats delighted guests at the World Party as they danced into 2011.

Guests shared the magnificent unique experience at one of the most memorable parties around the world, dancing and enjoying the finest cuisine, entertainment and fun to celebrate the end of a magnificent award-winning five years for Emirates Palace and the hopes and dreams for the future.

(What a way to see in the New Year - the Emirates Palace fireworks display)

Hans Olbertz, General Manager, said: “This is another unique event for Emirates Palace and will ensure the many international guests and visitors we welcome to the hotel and Abu Dhabi at this time of year will be able to be part of this dazzling occasion “.

He added: “Emirates Palace welcomed 2011 with a signature ball to commemorate our successes of the past 5 years with our guests and to provide a world class event in keeping with the traditions of the renowned Kempinski Ball around the world”. 

(Emirates Palace is the perfect place for special occasions)

Emirates Palace will be hoping to emulate the success of 2010 when it picked up “Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Resort” at the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony, then progressed to the Grand Final where it was voted “World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel”.

Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travellers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalized world class service.

(The magnificent Emirates Palace at sunset)

Situated on a 1.3km stretch of private white pristine beach and on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun, an Anantara spa, tennis courts, and a state of the art fitness centre.

(The Aquarium at Sayad restaurant)

Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with up to 1,100 seats, the ballroom for up to 2400 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre and outdoor venue capacity for up to 20,000 guests.

(Fit for royalty - the Palace Suite)

As a world-class leader in the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events market, Emirates Palace plays host to a spectacular cultural calendar including host for the Middle East International Film Festival, the largest Hotel Art Gallery with regular exhibitions, popular and classical music concert programme. With a FIFA standard football pitch and home to Manchester City’s winter training ground, Emirates Palace offers the best in world sports action including the annual Lashings Cricket Festival.

(The Atrium - Emirates Palace)