Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi (2023) - Tickets, Timings, Library, Photos

Qasr Al Watan , Abu Dhabi Overview

Yet another architectural landmark of Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace is a larger than life heritage structure which stands as a testimony of United Arab Emirates and its leaders. The beauty of the palace is not just in its infrastructure but also its reflective culture and governance. The multi-functional palace made with white granite and limestone is an architectural legacy brimming with the best of UAE's artistry with excellence in design and decor. The enchanting zones and majestic hallways of the palace are worth taking a tour of.

A walk through the palace gives you insights into the opulent craftsmanship and governing principles of the UAE. The massive library bearing over 50,000 books and the Great Hall are the prime attractions of Qasr Al Watan, drawing a considerable number of tourists around the year. Antique decor, a royal chandelier made with 350,000 pieces of crystal, and memoirs of the reverential leaders of the Arab region flank the Presidential Palace. It also holds a massive dining space, a shoppers paradise and a palace in motion showcasing a light and sound show.

Tickets

Qasr Al Watan Palace Tour - AED 60 (per adult) , AED 30 (per child) (Inclusive of- Access to Palace, the Gardens, Visitor Centre and all zones, exhibitions and public spaces.)
Private English/ Arabic tour - AED 600 for 60-minute tour.
Architectural Craftsmanship Tour- AED 20 for 30 minutes.

Highlights

1. Dome of the Great Hall

Qasr Al Watan's architectural dome is a marvel measuring 100 meters long and 100 meters wide. Standing above seven stories, the dome is the largest of the world with a 37-meter diameter.

2. Manuscripts

One of the most renowned manuscripts, the Birmingham Quran which is known as a replica of one of the earliest surviving records of the Holy Quran, is showcased at Qasr Al Watan’s 'House of Knowledge' zone. It also holds the Holy Bible and Book of David Psalms.

Other important manuscripts include the Atlas Manuscript on Astronomy, a transcript of Lamiat Al-Zukak on law and judiciary rules, the first modern map of Arabia from 1561, and an encyclopedia titled Historia Naturalis, comprising up to 20,000 facts of the world.

3. Exchanged Gifts by Foreign Dignitaries

Displaying an array of diplomat gifts to the UAE, one can view armours, masks, vases, sculptures, coins, emblems, and hooded falcon masks.

4. The Massive Library

The major highlight of Qasr Al Watan is the humongous library holding more than 50,000 books. Floor-to-ceiling shelves holding documents from history, archaeology, culture, literature and the arts.

5. Royal Banquet

One can view a dignitary dining set-up at the banquet halls with perfectly laid out tables with proper cutlery and platters. It showcases over 149,000 unique pieces of silver, crystal and china, made particularly for Qasr Al Watan.

6. Palace In Motion- Light and Sound show

The Palace in Motion is a renowned attraction of the palace setting up a vibrant light and sound for its guests, daily at 7:30 PM. Telling the take of Qasr Al Watan in three acts, the show explains the past, present and future of the UAE.