Visit Qasr al Watan – Palace of the Nation
Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is rather deceiving from the outside as although its traditional architectural style and gentle colours are beautiful in their simplicity, entering the Presidential Palace is rather like opening a pretty box and finding the most exquisite diamond inside.
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The craftsmanship of the interior is quite wonderful and the intricate detail in the many different elements is mesmerising. There are three main colours in the design, white, blue and yellow, inspired by the desert, the sea and the sky.
➡️ Buy tickets for Qasr Al Watan
Apart from the Great Hall, there is the Presidential Banquet Hall, Presidential Gifts (currently closed), House of Knowledge, Meeting Room, Spirit of Collaboration and the Library.
The Banquet Hall can hold up to 300 guests and most often hosts lunches rather than dinners for important dignitaries. The House of Knowledge displays contributions to the sciences, such as astronomy, medicine, mathematics and exploration in the Arab Golden Age.
If this is an area of interest, you might also like to visit the Museum of Islamic Civilisation in Sharjah.
The Spirit of Collaboration is not only the official meeting hall for the UAE Cabinet and Supreme Council but it is also a frequent venue for meetings of the National Federal Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League.
Qasr al Watan is also known as The Palace of the Nation or the Presidential Palace and was originally constructed to host dignitaries and other important visitors.
It opened to the public in 2019, two years after the completion of its construction. Although there is a sound and light show, this is currently not operating during the mourning period of the late Sheikha Khalifa, may his soul rest in peace.
🏨 Where to stay near Qasr Al Watan – Book Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel Residences or treat yourself to a night at The Emirates Palace.
Qasr Al Watan Timings
Qasr al Watan timings are 11am-8pm with last admission at 6:30pm.
Qasr Al Watan Entrance Fees
Entrance is 65 dhs for adults, 30 for age 4- 17 and free under 4. Persons of Determination can enter for free with one companion, resident senior citizens and Fazaa cardholders are eligible for 30% discount.
Wondering where to stay in Abu Dhabi? Have a look here to find accommodation close to particular landmarks. Tap on the gold pins to see main points of interest.
If you like this post, you might also like:
⭐ Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
⭐ Abrahamic Family House
⭐ 15 Best Islamic Attractions in the UAE
⭐ Wahat Al Karama Memorial Abu Dhabi
⭐ Arabic Architecture in Sharjah
For more on the emirate of Abu Dhabi, read:
⭐ Places to Visit in Al Ain,
⭐ Al Dhafra Festival,
⭐ Al Mirfa
⭐ Al Wathba (Fossil Rocks, Camping Lake and Sheikh Zayed Festival)
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