Legendary Pakistani batsman Younis Khan visited Emirates Palace this morning to tour the iconic hotel and then to lead a special cricket skills clinic offering local school children the chance of a lifetime to play with a cricket superstar.

Because life at Emirates Palace isn’t all work following the clinic, fortunate Emirates Palace staff members who share a passion for the sport had the rare opportunity to play a match with the cricket legend. Khan presided over a friendly Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match between staff members chosen for nationality and love of the game.

Khan also enjoyed time in our Bedouin tent with the kids, followed by a camel ride on our beach with one lucky young cricketer.

“Abu Dhabi never ceases to amaze me,” said Khan. “Emirates Palace is such a stunning venue, and it was great to experience the local culture, from enjoying Arabic coffee in the Bedouin tent to taking a camel ride along the beach: a truly unique experience.”

Commenting on the cricket-themed morning on the beach, Hotel Manager Leon Baum said: “We were thrilled to host Younis Khan and the Abu Dhabi Cricketers. We never miss an opportunity to offer our facilities and showcase our unique and world class offerings. Emirates Palace is the only hotel in town that can boast a cricket pitch that has been host to both cricket legends and local talent alike and the setting for sporting test matches and friendly test matches as well as clinics and corporate team-building events.”