Qasr Al Watan, literally meaning Palace of the Nation, is more than just a palace, it is the new cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi. Opened to the public in March of 2019, the palace increases one's cultural understanding of the UAE by allowing its visitors to explore the Arabian heritage and history as well as learning about the country's governing traditions and values.
The Presidential Palace is home to the formal offices of the President, Vice President and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Prior to being open to the public, only official meetings with leaders from foreign states and meetings of the Cabinet and Federal Supreme Council of the UAE were hosted in the palace. Meetings are still held in this part of the palace, so these areas remain closed to the public.
Book a guided tour and admire the beautiful gardens that invite you to the stunning Arabian designed palace. A visit here offers you a unique opportunity to marvel at the architecture and majestic hallways that is sure to leave you without words. Step inside the Grand Hall, the largest and most lavish rooms in the building, and admire the room's four art installations of mirrored cubes and diverse patterns. The Grand Hall's main highlight is the dome, which has a diameter of 121 feet and is said to be one of the largest domes in the world!
Explore the different exhibitions that celebrate the region’s rich Arabic heritage and learn more about the rulers and governing institutions that shaped the great nation. Many of the country's historic meetings between the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council took place in the Spirit of Collaboration Hall which features a chandelier containing 350,000 individually placed pieces of crystal.
For those interested in learning more about the UAE's history, culture and heritage, then the House of Knowledge is a must visit. Get a deep insight into contributions of the Arab world in the science, arts and literature fields with rare manuscripts and artefacts of the palace. The room contains a giant gold sculpture known as The Power of Words which is an inscription of a quote by Sheikh Zayed.
Qasr Al Watan is open to the public every day of the week from 10 am to 8 pm, with tours every half an hour, each one lasting 60 minutes. The palace can be accessed by public transportation, car, or by taxi. Bus numbers 34 and 69 will bring you to the visitor's entrance of the palace. If you arrive by car, the Visitor Centre parking lot is open every day from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, free of charge.
