A photoshoot at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace reveals the peak of opulence and extravagance

What happens when Abu Dhabi’s most extravagant hotel is combined with an eight-day photoshoot featuring rare pink diamonds, Arabian horses, trained falcons, haute couture gowns, and international models?

"Pure magic," says Australian photographer Anthony Horth. "Magic, pure magic."

Horth, who has previously worked with supermodels like Christy Turlington, Jean Shrimpton, and Eva Herzigová, might have a personal stake in the project. After all, the Emirates Palace photoshoot was his creation.

Perched at one end of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche waterfront, the Emirates Palace is a self-proclaimed seven-star hotel. A colossal structure with grand palm-lined corridors, majestic staircases, and a selection of upscale restaurants.

Evidently, the extraordinary luxury wasn't enough, so the hotel enlisted a photographer capable of capturing the essence behind its glamorous exterior.

The photos that followed took on a theme straight out of Arabian Nights, though with an undeniably lavish twist.

"I didn’t want this to be just a fashion shoot or a jewelry shoot," says Horth. "It wasn’t meant to be a Vogue editorial."

Models wore pieces from Valentino, Carolina Herrera, Bulgari, and Endemage. Rio Tinto's multi-million-dollar Argyle pink diamonds were showcased in jewelry designed by the Middle Eastern luxury brand Dhamani.

Every corner of the space was meticulously styled.

"I wanted something straight out of a fairy tale," adds Horth, who previously spent time photographing Australia’s Argyle diamond mine and its landscapes.

"I’ve always lived in a dream world. I understand magic when I see it, and I know how to bring it to life," says Horth.

This was no minor undertaking: The Emirates Palace stretches a full kilometer from one wing to the other, accompanied by a private beach that spans 1.3 kilometers.

Eight escalators and 102 elevators whisk guests to 14 dining venues and lounges. The ceiling boasts 1,002 chandeliers scattered across 114 domes, while marble from 13 countries glistens beneath one-ton tapestries and indoor fountains.

Entering the space, one is immediately struck by the sheer sense of openness.

Gold is a constant presence: from the arches inside, to the Moroccan-inspired spa treatments, and especially in the food. Every year, five kilograms of pure edible gold are used, including in dishes like the gold-dusted camel burger.

The property is anything but subtle, yet Horth was undeterred: "I have a deep appreciation for grandeur," he says.

‘Priceless’ photoshoot

"When my wife and I got married, we traveled to Antarctica. Our invitation featured us atop an iceberg. I'm doing what I love. How do you become a 'big shot'? You keep taking little shots in the same place. If it feels right, just keep going," he reflects.

As for the cost of the extensive, multi-day project, Emirates Palace's general manager Holger Schroth responds succinctly: "The photoshoot was priceless."

The hotel was on the lookout for a photographer who could look beyond the property’s grandeur and capture its true essence, he explains.

"Tony's photographs tell a story. His work clearly distinguishes a mere photo from true art," he says.

In 2016, Abu Dhabi attracted 4.4 million international tourists, an 8% increase from the previous year. However, with more hotel rooms, growing cruise traffic, and a tough economic climate, the benefits have been more evenly spread.

Boosting tourism

Year-end reports from Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority revealed a 9% drop in hotel revenues. Food and beverage sales were down by 10%, while hotel guest nights fell by 2%, and the average length of stay dropped by 9%.

Does this signal a need to attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi and its hotels?

"Yes," says Schroth. "Every hotel aims to highlight its distinctiveness and attract more visitors to both Abu Dhabi and, of course, to their rooms."

In April, Horth will return to Abu Dhabi and the opulent Emirates Palace for his exhibition "Mother Earth Kimberley," showcasing his work from the diamond mines. The exhibit will run from April 22 to May 6. (More details at Anthonyhorth.com).

"Abu Dhabi is nearly flawless," says Horth.

"I find the culture incredibly warm. The Bedouin way of life has a deep-rooted practicality and humility. They embrace everything, and I’m captivated by the mystique. I’ve witnessed this side of it, and it’s truly beautiful."