Abu Dhabi presidential Palace opened its doors to tourists

Qasr al Watan invites the whole world to get acquainted with the priceless heritage of knowledge and traditions of the United Arab Emirates.

ABOUT QASR AL WATAN

Qasr Al Watan is an incredible, new and unique landmark in the United Arab Emirates. A Palace brimming with knowledge, offering the world a first-of-its-kind insight into the Arab heritage and the governing principles that shaped the history of the United Arab Emirates and its vision to the future.

Qasr Al Watan is more than just a palace, it is an enriching journey in a contemporary setting that reveals and reflects on governance, knowledge and craftsmanship.

The Palace offers you a unique opportunity to marvel at majestic hallways that is sure to leave you with a meaningful experience, explore exhibitions that celebrate the region’s rich Arabic heritage and learn more about the rulers and governing institutions that shaped our great nation. You will also gain a deeper appreciation of the innovations that will drive the country’s future.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Emir of Dubai, as well as his Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme commander of the UAE armed forces held the opening ceremony of Qasr al-Watan, a new cultural monument of the nation, located in the Presidential Palace in the capital of Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed stressed that Qasr al-Watan is an important symbol of the progressive development of the UAE, reflecting the intention of the leadership to strengthen cultural understanding among the peoples.

His Excellency also expressed his intention to preserve the cultural and intellectual heritage of the nation and to inspire future generations by instilling in them a deep sense of national pride, as well as to emphasize the importance of continuing the policy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE, who sought to build the heritage of the UAE through cultural dialogue and openness.

Visitors to the new UAE attraction will be able to enrich their cultural experience by exploring all the rooms of the Palace, starting with the Great hall – the heart of the building.

In the Western wing of the Palace, they will learn about the formation of the UAE and its management system, visit the halls where official receptions of high-ranking officials usually take place, such as the "Spirit of cooperation", where meetings and official summits of the Federal Supreme Council and the UAE Cabinet are held. Visitors will also be presented with a collection of diplomatic gifts received from heads of state and foreign statesmen, which is exhibited for the first time for public access.

At al Barsha, visitors learn about the traditional role of the Majlis (meaning "Council" or "Assembly") – places for cultural, political and public gatherings – through an exciting multimedia show shedding light on the continuation of a tradition historically followed by the rulers of the Emirates to rule in harmony with the people.

Continuing their journey to the house of knowledge, in the East wing of the Palace visitors find themselves in two rooms, which are rare artifacts, books, manuscripts and monuments of the ancient Arab world. Visitors will also be able to see the main artifacts and historical maps representing the contribution of the ancient Arabs to the development of science in the period of Education, called the Arab Golden age.

The Palace also houses the Qasr al-Watan library, where scientists can explore a huge collection of more than 50,000 books about the UAE, as well as get information about the progressive development of the country.

Qasr al-Watan is open daily from 10: 00 to 20: 00, tickets can be purchased on site and online on the official website of Qasr al-Watan: www.QasrAlWatan.ae