Most people have heard of Abu Dhabi’s luxurious Emirates Palace furnished in sumptuous gold and marble. Now there are plans to build a presidential palace to house the offices of HH the president, HH the Crown Prince, as well as ministers. It will be located right next door to the six-year old 11.9 billion dirham hotel.

The Presidential Affairs Department of Abu Dhabi recently stated that the new palace will replace the existing one in Ras Al Akhdar. The centerpiece will be in the form of a large rectangular courtyard typical of an Islamic palace whereby the actual palace is seated on an artificial elevation.

Consolidated Contracting Company has been selected to construct the new palace. The project will be constructed over 2 plots and includes the main palace of 160,000 square meters, smaller palaces, villas and other facilities. The ancillary buildings will be spread over a site of 23,000 square meters and will include a public majlis, a mosque, staff and military accommodations, a services compound, and various gatehouses and watchtowers. The cost of the project has yet to be disclosed.