We recently spoke to Michael Koth, the General Manager of the jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Michael Koth, the General Manager of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Michael Koth is a world leader in the luxury hospitality industry with a career spanning more than 35 years. For nearly half a decade, Koth has been at the helm of one of the UAE’s most prominent luxury properties, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Throughout his career, Koth has seamlessly melded strategic vision and operational excellence, cementing his reputation as a luminary in the industry. In addition to managing the iconic property, he also serves as the Area Vice President of Operations for Mandarin Oriental, demonstrating his capacity to oversee diverse and complex projects.
Koth’s career reflects an impressive journey through some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality organisations. Before joining the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, he held several senior roles with the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG). His tenure included serving as General Manager in marquee locations such as Doha and Cairo, as well as pivotal corporate roles in Dubai. At IHG, he rose to Director of Operations for the Levant region, where he was responsible for overseeing 13 hotels spanning three brands. This expansive role honed his skills in multi-property management and strategic planning. We recently spoke to Koth, to learn more about his experience at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and what his plans are for the property’s future.
Emirates Palace is an iconic landmark. What do you believe are the key elements that contribute to its status as a luxury destination?
Emirates Palace is a benchmark of luxury, not only for its architectural splendor but for the experience it provides. Our design is a thoughtful blend of traditional Arabian aesthetics and contemporary sophistication, offering guests an environment that is both visually captivating and deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the region.
What truly distinguishes us is our commitment to delivering an exceptional level of service with the Mandarin Oriental touch. We pride ourselves on anticipating our guests’ needs and creating bespoke experiences tailored to their individual preferences. Whether through the attention of a private butler, the culinary excellence of our Michelin-starred restaurants or our comprehensive wellness offerings, every aspect of the guest journey is meticulously crafted.
How are you promoting the destination locally, regionally, and internationally?
At the local level, we focus on cultivating strong connections with the UAE community by offering exclusive events and partnering with prestigious brands to host tailored experiences. These include wellness retreats and exclusive dining experiences, designed to make the Palace a central part of the UAE’s lifestyle.
Regionally, we target markets in the GCC by promoting the Palace as the ideal setting for intimate weddings and high-end corporate events. Through carefully crafted travel packages, influencer partnerships and collaborations with leading travel agencies, we maintain a strong presence in key regional markets.
On an international scale, we position Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental as a destination that provides a fusion of rich Arabian heritage and world-class luxury. By working with global media partners, we highlight the Palace as a unique cultural experience for international guests. We also leverage bespoke travel packages and influencer collaborations to attract global visitors seeking an escape and a taste of authentic hospitality.
How has your background and experience shaped your approach to managing a luxury hotel like Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental?
My career in hospitality spanning diverse regions and cultures has profoundly influenced my approach to managing the Palace. I have come to appreciate that true luxury lies not just in providing impeccable service, but in understanding and anticipating the unique needs of each guest.
I also bring a forward-thinking approach to the management of the Palace. Luxury hospitality is an ever-evolving field, and I understand the need to remain agile, anticipating trends and adapting to guests’ changing expectations while maintaining the unique cultural and architectural essence that defines this vast space.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role as General Manager? What are your main priorities?
My day begins early, often with a walk through the property to ensure everything is running smoothly and to connect personally with the team. I make it a priority to be visible and approachable, both for staff and guests. I typically greet guests during breakfast, address any immediate concerns and touch base with department heads to review the day’s priorities.
Throughout the day, I focus on ensuring that every element of the hotel operates seamlessly. This includes overseeing service standards, ensuring staff morale remains high and reviewing both financial performance and guest satisfaction metrics. Another key aspect of my role is innovation—whether it’s through introducing new guest offerings, developing sustainability initiatives or enhancing our technology. I dedicate time to meeting with key stakeholders, ensuring we remain aligned on long-term strategies.
How do you balance maintaining traditional luxury with contemporary trends in hospitality?
Balancing the timeless appeal of traditional luxury with the demands of contemporary hospitality is an art that requires both respect for heritage and a willingness to embrace innovation. We remain rooted in the tradition of grandeur that defines our history.
While this industry is continuously evolving, today’s guests are looking for more than just opulence—they seek authentic, immersive experiences that resonate with their values. For this reason, we incorporate modern elements such as sustainable practices without compromising our identity. This includes eco-friendly initiatives and curated experiences that cater to the modern traveller’s lifestyle.
The culinary landscape in Abu Dhabi is becoming increasingly competitive, particularly with the arrival of Michelin in the city. Can you share some insights into the culinary offerings at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental?
We take great pride in our culinary offerings, which reflect both local flavours and international trends, and continue to set the standard in a city where the dining scene is growing ever more competitive. The arrival of Michelin in Abu Dhabi has certainly elevated the city’s culinary landscape, and we are proud to offer a variety of dining experiences.
Our restaurants include Broadway, a modern American brasserie, which offers a contemporary dining experience, and Talea, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant by the celebrated Chef Antonio Guida, where diners can indulge in authentic, refined Italian cuisine. For those seeking bold flavours, Hakkasan offers an edgy take on Cantonese cuisine, combining traditional elements with modern techniques.
Whether it is a light business lunch, sophisticated dinner or large event, we offer the flexibility to enjoy experience food without limitations, without compromising on quality and service. Guests can take their pick from the wide array of outlets we offer including Vendôme, Café Fountain, Episodes, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Lebanese Terrace, ALMA, and Sand & Koal.
This year, we’re proud to be hosting the Michelin Guide Food Festival at the Palace. This event will bring together Abu Dhabi-based and international chefs from 20 Michelin Guide recommended restaurants, offering specially curated menus and exclusive dishes, a selection of culinary masterclasses and a marketplace featuring local producers.
What is the most memorable event or experience you have hosted at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental?
One of the most memorable events I have had the pleasure of hosting was our rebranding celebration, which marked a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution. The event was an opportunity to showcase our commitment to both preserving our legacy and embracing future innovations. We welcomed an exclusive group of VIP guests, industry leaders and influencers, creating an atmosphere of both sophistication and excitement.
The evening was marked by elegant entertainment, exquisite cuisine and signature cocktails, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Palace’s opulent architecture. What made this event truly memorable was the palpable sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
What trends do you see shaping the future of luxury hospitality?
The future of luxury hospitality will undoubtedly be defined by a shift towards greater personalisation and sustainability. Guests now expect highly tailored, immersive experiences that cater to their individual preferences, whether it’s bespoke dining, wellness retreats or cultural immersions. At the same time, sustainability will continue to be a core value, with more guests prioritising eco-friendly practices.
We’ve responded to this shift by introducing innovative offerings like our vegan rooms. These rooms are thoughtfully curated with eco-friendly, cruelty-free materials and amenities, offering everything from plant-based in-room dining to sustainable bedding and toiletries. This initiative reflects our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while providing guests with luxurious, guilt-free options that align with their values. Sustainability, in our view, is no longer an add-on but an integral part of the luxury experience.
What challenges have you faced in maintaining the iconic status of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in a rapidly evolving hospitality industry?
This sector is constantly adapting to new demands for tailored service, sustainability and technology. Striking the right balance between embracing innovation and preserving the historic legacy of the Palace is key to ensuring we remain a leader in the industry.
It’s also essential to stay ahead of global trends, particularly in areas like sustainability and wellness, which are increasingly important to modern travellers. Embracing these changes while staying true to the essence of what makes this landmark iconic is both a challenge and an exciting opportunity for the future.
Tell us about the recent additions or upgrades at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, from the EP Club and private beach to the Kids Palace.
We’ve made several enhancements across the property to provide a more elevated experience for our guests. The EP Club was introduced to offer an exclusive and refined environment, perfect for those seeking privacy and personalised service. The club’s private beach has also been redesigned, offering facilities and a greater focus on comfort and relaxation.
Additionally, we newly opened the Kids Palace during summer, ensuring that our little fans have access to engaging, educational and enjoyable activities, while families can take full advantage of the offerings at the Palace. It offers a diverse range of activities centred around five key pillars: Sustainability, Culinary, Arts and Creative, Wellbeing and Exploration – all of which include experiences that foster holistic development.
Whether you’re organising a kids’ camp, a thrilling FIFA tournament or a special birthday party, we have the ideal space to accommodate everyone. Our rooms are also available for private events like sleepovers, afternoon tea for mums and gender reveal parties.
What are your future plans or visions for Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, especially in light of evolving guest expectations and market trends?
My vision for Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is to further elevate its status as a global leader in luxury hospitality, where personalisation and innovation take center stage. As guest expectations evolve, we are committed to offering increasingly bespoke and immersive experiences, ensuring that each stay is uniquely tailored to the individual.
We plan to deepen our cultural, culinary and wellness offerings by integrating more local elements—whether through exclusive art and cultural tours, private dining experiences with our Michelin-starred chefs or innovative wellness programs that fuse tradition with modern holistic practices.
Sustainability will continue to be at the forefront of our future plans. Responsible sourcing, energy efficiency and waste reduction are key pillars of our sustainability strategy.
Your tagline is “Your Palace, Your Story.” What impression do you want each guest to leave with?
With our tagline, “Your Palace, Your Story,” we aim for every guest to feel that their experience here is truly their own. Whether through bespoke services and experiences or unique moments shared within our settings, we want each guest to leave knowing that their time here was as individual as they are and to feel like they’ve not only visited a prestigious hotel but have created a lasting memory—a story that’s uniquely theirs.
Share with us the upcoming festive season plans at the property.
This festive season, the Palace will transform into a winter wonderland under the theme ‘Lilies and Baubles,’ where the purity of lilies represents a season of light and new beginnings. Our grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony will kick off the celebrations, and guests can expect an array of seasonal events, including festive afternoon teas, gourmet dinners and exclusive holiday experiences.
To welcome the New Year, we will host an extraordinary celebration, including a concert by the renowned Andrea Bocelli, dining experience, live entertainment and spectacular fireworks. This will be the ultimate venue for a truly unforgettable festive season.
