WATG were contracted as lead consultant and design manager for complete consultancy services for the premier conferencing destination in the Gulf to be open for the GCC conference of 2004. The design and development of this full service project led to the formation of an Alliance with KEO Integrated Engineering Consultants, which is overseeing the construction of this project worth some US$500 million in construction. The Palace is a building in three parts; firstly a Palace for each of the heads of state of the gulf council of some 1,500sqm each; secondly a major multi-media conferencing venue with superior banqueting facilities for over 2,000 guests; thirdly a 400 key Kempinski luxury hotel. It is located on a fantastic beachfront overlooking the Gulf, in downtown Abu Dhabi, and is being constructed as a true Palace in a heritage style. Construction was completed in 2004 and the building has established itself as a landmark of culture and heritage architecture in Abu Dhabi , awaiting its role as host for the annual conference of the Gulf States. The final cost estimated at $2bn is testament to the newfound confidence of the Emirates on the world stage.