This year, Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is celebrating its 20th anniversary as one of the UAE’s most iconic symbols of luxury and hospitality.
At the helm is General Manager and Area Vice President of Operations for Mandarin Oriental, Michael Koth, a global industry leader with more than 35 years of experience. For nearly five years, Koth has guided Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental with a blend of strategic vision and operational excellence, ensuring its enduring reputation as a world-class destination. As Emirates Palace steps into its third decade, Koth is focused on honoring its legacy while driving it toward an even more exceptional future. In our conversation, he shared his reflections on leading this extraordinary property during such a historic year and his vision for the next chapter of its story.
Congratulations on Emirates Palace’s 20th anniversary. How does it feel to be leading such an iconic property during this milestone year?
It is both a profound honor and a defining responsibility. Emirates Palace is not merely a hotel; it is a cultural landmark, an architectural masterpiece, and an enduring symbol of Abu Dhabi’s identity. Leading the Palace in its 20th year is a privilege that comes with the duty to safeguard its legacy while steering it into a new era.
This milestone is a moment to reflect on two decades of extraordinary achievement, but equally, it is an opportunity to lay the foundations for the next chapter — ensuring that the Palace continues to inspire, delight, and serve as a beacon of hospitality for generations to come.
You’ve had an illustrious career in luxury hospitality. What drew you to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and how has your vision shaped its recent direction?
What drew me here was the Palace’s rare combination of grandeur, authenticity, and deep cultural resonance. Very few destinations in the world offer such a powerful sense of place — where architectural magnificence meets heartfelt Emirati hospitality. My vision has been to retain the Palace’s iconic character while introducing a contemporary rhythm that speaks to today’s luxury traveler.
This has meant curating experiences that blend Emirati heritage with Mandarin Oriental’s oriental philosophy of service, refreshing our culinary and wellness offerings, and creating moments that feel both timeless and newly relevant.
In a region that’s constantly redefining luxury, how do you ensure Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental remains ahead of the curve?
We maintain our leadership by evolving with intention. True luxury today is not defined by excess, but by meaning, personalization and authenticity. At the Palace, that translates into anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s traveller — whether that’s integrating world-class wellness, championing sustainability, creating deeply immersive cultural encounters, or embracing technology that enhances. Our competitive edge lies in marrying innovation with tradition, ensuring we remain a trendsetter without ever losing the soul that makes the Palace unique.
What makes the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental experience truly unique for today’s luxury traveller?
It is the intersection of scale, service, and soul. Guests are greeted by an architectural wonder on arrival, yet quickly discover that every interaction, every detail, has been considered with precision and care. It is a place where international sophistication is grounded in genuine Emirati warmth. The Palace offers not just world-class facilities, but a narrative — an unfolding story that guests can immerse themselves in, take part in, and ultimately, take home with them.
The architecture and design of the Palace are legendary. How do you maintain its grandeur while ensuring it remains contemporary and relevant?
We take a preservation-through-progress approach. The Palace’s signature elements from its golden domes to its intricate marble inlays are meticulously maintained by master artisans. At the same time, we introduce modern layers: innovative dining concepts, refreshed interiors, next-generation wellness spaces and discreet technological enhancements. The objective is harmony allowing guests to experience the same awe they felt two decades ago, while sensing that the Palace is firmly attuned to the present day.
How is local Emirati culture woven into the guest experience and the property’s identity?
Emirati culture is not an accessory to the Palace; it is its heartbeat. From the gracious, intuitive hospitality of our colleagues to curated encounters such as traditional gahwa ceremonies, local art showcases and partnerships with local cultural entities such as Qasr Al Hosn for this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, every aspect of the guest experience carries the imprint of the UAE’s heritage. Our goal is for guests to leave with a richer understanding of the nation’s traditions, values, and artistry — an intangible gift that extends beyond their stay.
What role do art, design and craftsmanship play in preserving the Palace’s unique aesthetic?
They are the threads that bind the Palace’s identity. Every space here tells a visual story, from hand-laid mosaics and Arabic calligraphy to the commissioned artworks that adorn our walls. We work with both master craftsmen and contemporary designers to ensure our aesthetic remains dynamic while respecting the authenticity of its origins. In this way, the Palace is not a static monument, but a living gallery where heritage and innovation coexist.
Sustainability is increasingly important in luxury travel. How is Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental embracing responsible luxury?
We believe that the future of luxury is inherently sustainable. Here, this means embedding environmental responsibility into everything we do — from sourcing locally and seasonally to reducing waste, optimizing energy and water efficiency, and investing in biodiversity initiatives within our grounds.
We have also introduced dedicated vegan rooms, thoughtfully designed with plant-based amenities, cruelty-free products, and sustainable materials, ensuring guests can enjoy a stay that aligns with their values. Increasingly, our guests value knowing that their enjoyment supports a more responsible hospitality model.
With Abu Dhabi’s growing global profile, how does Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental contribute to the emirate’s broader tourism and cultural strategy?
The Palace serves as both a global stage and a cultural ambassador. We welcome travelers from around the world, but our mission extends beyond hospitality. We partner with cultural institutions, host world-class events and design programs that immerse visitors in the emirate’s heritage, gastronomy, and artistic expression. In doing so, we help shape Abu Dhabi’s narrative as a cosmopolitan capital rooted in tradition.
What does a typical day look like for you at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, if such a thing exists?
If there is such a thing as typical, it begins with connecting with my team and walking the property, I believe leadership starts with presence. From there, my day might involve hosting dignitaries, reviewing strategic developments, or collaborating on new partnerships. Some moments are operational, others deeply creative, but all are connected by the same purpose: ensuring every decision enhances the guest experience and the Palace’s standing in the world.
What’s one moment or compliment from a guest that has stayed with you?
A guest once told me that staying at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental felt like “coming home to a place they never knew they belonged.” That sentiment perfectly captures what we aspire to create not only luxury in its physical form, but a deep emotional connection that makes guests feel they are part of something timeless.
If you could describe Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in just three words, what would they be?
Majestic. Inspiring. Exceptional.
Looking ahead, what’s next for the Palace in the next 5–10 years?
We will continue to innovate with purpose. This means evolving our culinary repertoire, expanding wellness offerings, deepening cultural engagement, and advancing our sustainability commitments. Our goal is to ensure the Palace remains not only a jewel of Abu Dhabi but a benchmark for luxury hospitality globally — a destination that continues to surprise, inspire, and set the standard well into the future.
And finally, what message would you like to share with loyal guests and those yet to experience the Palace on this special 20th anniversary?
To our loyal guests, thank you for allowing us to be part of your most cherished moments. You are as much a part of the Palace’s story as its walls and gardens. To those who have yet to visit, I extend a warm invitation to experience the magic that cannot be fully described — only felt. Come celebrate with us: honor our past, enjoy our present and help shape our future.
