The first thing to know about Shang Palace is context: a high-rise, view-conscious room in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, matched with the ambitions of a Chinese restaurant. Readers should look for regional technique, texture and the rhythm of shared plates, because that is where a restaurant of this type earns its reputation. For readers using this as a watchlist entry, the appeal is strongest as a serious, reservation-worthy meal rather than a casual fallback.