Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)
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.
Directions from Dubai to Presidential Palace (1Hours 22 minutes drive)
From Dubai on the E11 Highway (Sheikh Zayed Road):
Take Sheikh Zayed Road south, heading towards Abu Dhabi
Follow E11 and Abu Dhabi – Keep left at the fork to continue on Abu Dhabi - Al Shahama Rd/Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10
Take the exit toward Abu Dhabi - Al Falah Rd/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy/E12
Keep left and merge onto Abu Dhabi - Al Falah Rd/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy/E12
Turn right onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy, then merge onto 1st St
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit, turn right, then turn right until you reach your destination.
Qasr Al Watan is now open 7 days a week from 10:00am - 8:00pm.
There are ample parking spaces available and there is no charge to park here.
Valet parking: Yes, valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge of AED 80. It is available from 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week.
Visitors must find their own transport to/from Qasr Al Watan.
Tickets can be purchased online or on-site directly at the ticketing booth. Please see the Tickets section of the website for more information.
You will receive your ticket(s) via email. You can print these out and bring them with you or you can download the ticket(s) onto your phone. You will need to show this to gain entry into the Palace or its grounds.
You can upgrade your ticket for a small fee once you are inside the Park. Make your way to the Palace entrance to upgrade your ticket at the ticket counter:
Adults: Dh35
Children (under 17): Dh17.50
Guided Tour: Yes, there are tours every day for individuals and groups.
People of determination: Qasr Al Watan provides wheelchairs for people of determination and elderly visitors. People of determination receive complimentary access plus one companion.
Prayer room: There are prayer rooms available for both men and women at the Visitor Centre and the Ceremonial Gate.
Wi-Fi: There is no Wi-Fi available throughout the Palace grounds.
Photography:Yes, non-commercial photography and filming are encouraged.
Mobile phones: Yes, in consideration for other visitors, mobile phones must be switched to silent.
Food and Drink: Food and beverages are available for purchase from 5 locations. Only food and beverages that have been purchased on site are allowed to be consumed (except water and baby food). Please see the Visitor Information section of the website for more information.
Smoking: Yes, a designated smoking area is located outside the Visitor Centre.
Pets: Pets or animals are not allowed in the Palace or the Palace grounds.
For assistance, you can call our Contact Centre on (+971) 600 544 442 or email
contact@qasralwatan.ae. The opening hours for the Contact Centre are 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days a week.
Here’s the best things to see
Qasr Al Watan is no mere tourist attraction, it’s a working Palace, home to the UAE Supreme Council and Federal Cabinet. It hosts state visits and official summits and is steeped in the nation’s history and culture. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the UAE’s rich heritage.
So what can visitors expect when they cross the threshold of this white edifice for the first time? Here are some of must-see sights for guests to enjoy and all are contained within the Qasr Al Watan site:
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Qasr Al Watan is a contemporary palace built in traditional Arabian style. It features a high level of artistry and craftsmanship in its features, in a tribute to the region’s Arabian heritage. Such an ornate level of detailing does not come quickly.
The facade of the Palace is constructed from granite and limestone built to last hundreds of years. Its white colouring was chosen to symbolise peace and purity while reflecting Gulf traditions of light-coloured buildings to reflect heat.
Each of the Palace doors took 350 hours to make and is constructed from solid maple, with hard-carved designs detailed in 23-carat gold.
More than 5,000 geometric and floral patterns adorn palace surfaces, each of them unique to Qasr Al Watan, while inspired by traditional Arab iconography.
THE GREAT HALL
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Great Hall, the architectural heart of Qasr Al Watan. Measuring 100 metres long by 100 metres wide, its main dome is one of the largest in the world, with a diameter of 37 metres. It houses four art installations, mirrored cubes that reflect the room’s intricate design detailing.
THE BARZA
The ‘Al Barza’ majlis is the largest room in Qasr Al Watan after The Great Hall, and can hold up to 300 guests. A majlis is used to formally welcome guests in the Emirati tradition that ensures leaders govern with the consensus of their people. Don’t miss the 5-minute multimedia show on the history of the majlis and the UAE.
SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION HALL
The ‘Spirit of Collaboration’ room was designed to host meetings of the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Here you can gain a deeper appreciation of the UAE’s rulers and governing traditions that shaped the Emirates.
HOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE
The ‘House of Knowledge’ is located in the east wing, where you can explore the palace’s vast selection of rare artefacts and manuscripts. They have been curated to document the Arab world’s contributions to various fields including science, arts, humanities and literature. In honour of the 2019 UAE Year of Tolerance, three holy books – the Holy Quran, the Holy Bible and the book of David’s Psalms are displayed together as a symbol of peaceful co-existence.
PRESIDENTIAL GIFTS
This room showcases part of the collection of diplomatic gifts the UAE has received from foreign dignitaries during state visits. Don’t miss the carpets from Turkmenistan, an ornate sword and shield from Kazakhstan, among others.
BANQUET HALL
The ‘Presidential Banquet’ hall hosts official occasions extending Emirati hospitality to representatives of close nations and allies. It contains 149,000 pieces of silver, crystal and china that were made especially for the palace.
THE LIBRARY
The ‘Qasr Al Watan Library’ houses an impressive collection of more than 40,000 titles, documenting the nation’s history, focusing on archaeology, history, culture, literature and the arts. A digital collection of more than 16 million items is also available. Visitors can access the library free of charge through a separate entrance upon registration at the Visitor Centre.
LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW
If you are able to time your visit to be there at 7:30pm, you will have the opportunity to experience ‘Palace in Motion’, a spectacular 15-minute exposition. Light and sound is projected onto the palace, telling the story of Qasr Al Watan in three acts, while explaining the past, present and future of the UAE.
DINING OPTIONS
There is an array of dining options for all tastes and budgets. ‘Dhiyafat Qasr Al Watan’ and ‘Al Fowala’ are sit-down restaurants in the main Palace area. If you’d prefer a cafe, try ‘Maqha Al Maktaba’ inside the library. For a simple option, ‘Legma’ is the grab-and-go outlet located in the visitor centre, Zayed Gate and the main palace.
FANCY A SOUVENIR?
There are two gift shops – one in the Visitor Centre and one in the main Palace, selling uniquely crafted gifts and souvenirs inspired by Qasr Al Watan.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Feel free to snap personal photos and videos and upload to social media. You can tag your posts with @QasrAlWatanTour and #QasrAlWatanTour on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please switch mobile phones to silent while visiting Qasr Al Watan.
OPENING HOURS
Qasr Al Watan is open seven days a week from 10am-8pm. Tickets are available on arrival, or online from the official Qasr Al Watan
website.
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The best thing about Abu Dhabi International Airport is that it’s located near Yas Island, the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Zoo.
Transport
Abu Dhabi does not have a metro service, or car services like Uber and Careem. Your only choice would be to move around with a taxi.
Abu Dhabi Taxi:
Just hail a taxi from any terminal and go wherever you want. Depending on the time of the day, taxis should be your fastest mode of transportation and a very convenient. Taxi fares start at Dh25 from the airport and Dh5 from anywhere else, however there is a minimum fare of Dh12.
Layover: 8 to 10 hours
Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This is a must see when coming to the UAE. The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This beautiful structure is the world's second largest mosque and arguably one of the most important examples of contemporary Islamic architecture in the UAE.
Location Situated between the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi City to the main land Cost free Timings daily from 9am to 10pm except during Friday prayers Contact 02 4191919.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The coastline's pathway stretches for about 7 kilometres. There's tonnes of gardens, trees and little vendors selling street snacks and drinks. And of course, you also get gorgeous views of the Arabian Gulf.
Location Abu Dhabi coastline Cost free Timings 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
It's the first Louvre museum to open outside Paris. And all that history and art is right here in Abu Dhabi. The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened on November 11, 2017 and is a universal museum that is home to some of the most beautiful art in the world. The eye catching building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, who designed it in the shape of a shallow dome; a combination of modern architecture and the regions traditions.
The museum currently has more than 600 artworks and artefacts on display in its 23 galleries, and 12 "chapters". Dubbed as the first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a glimpse into the history of the world and its major religions. And though the theme is universal, it also presents Arab and regional art in a historical context. Organisers explained the arrangements of exhibits are deliberately chronological, meant to create a dialogue between pieces from different cultures. Families, schools, and art enthusiasts can plan a day out visiting the iconic museum and its many different exhibits and workshops. Visitors are invited to discover how different cultures can share influences as well as mutual historical connections. The collections will constantly be enriched through loans and local art.
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat Cost Dh60 per person Timings Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm Contact 02 6575800
Emirates National Auto Museum
This museum was established in 2004 and is located south of the city of Abu Dhabi. The Emirates National Auto Museum (ENAM) is home to 200 cars belonging to HH Shaikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as well as a large fleet very cool off-road vehicles and classic American cars. The famous Mercedes rainbow collection and the world's largest truck are some of the museums proudest pieces. ENAM has even been featured in the BBC show Top Gear.
Location: South of Abu Dhabi, Hamim Road, Off E11, Al Gharbia Cost Dh50 per adult, free for children under 10 Timings Daily from 10am to 6pm Contact 055 7492155.
Yas Beach Club
The club offers stunning views of the ocean and mangroves. The beach lounge area features an open air DJ booth, an infinity pool and five private chalets. On Fridays, the infinity pool, can be accessed only by adults (+21) while families with children use the splash pool. Along with the tropical-themed Tiki Bar, the club also serves Neapolitan pizzas, grills and Italian gelato. Water sport such as sailing, kayaking, wind surfing, paddle boarding is available, with trained instructors to teach the sport. The club’s also houses volleyball facilities.
Location Yas Island Cost Day passes are for Dh50 on weekdays and Dh100 on weekends. Children under eight go free. Beach cabanas cost Dh200 (includes two entrance + 1 complimentary Voss water) on weekdays and Dh400 on weekends. Pool cabanas are Dh400 (includes two entrance + 1 complimentary Voss water) on weekdays and Dh600 on weekends Timings The club is open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends Contact 056 2420435
Evening Kayaking in the Mangroves with Dinner
Abu Dhabi’s adfventure company Noukhada, introduces an evening kayaking tour across the Eastern Mangroves followed by a seafood dinner at Flooka . Combining the freshest seafood and views over Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves, Flooka adds another feature to its culinary offering, teaming up with adventure company Noukhada to offer an evening kayaking tour across the Eastern Mangroves followed by a dinner. Menu A includes a choice of three mezzes, up to 500g fish plus water and soft drinks and the kayak tour. Menu B includes a choice of three mezzes, up to 500g fish and two jumbo prawns plus water and two house beverages and the kayak tour.
Location: Flooka Cost Option A Dh280 per person, Option B Dh355 per person Contact 02 4418244.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park is a place that celebrates the spirit of the legendary marque, and is home to numerous thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, simulators, live shows, as well as popular seasonal events and festivities. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, as well as the triple record-breaking rollercoaster, Flying Aces. It also offers guests a range of thrilling family experiences that include Benno’s Great Race, Karting Academy, Junior Training Camp, Driving Experience, Fiorano GT Challenge, and many more.
Location Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Cost Dh295 Bronze ticket if height is 1.3 m or more and Dh230 if shorter, Dh370 Silver ticket if height is 1.3 m or more and Dh305 if shorter, Dh535 Gold ticket if height is 1.3 m or more and Dh445 if shorter Timings Daily from 11 am to 8 pm every day (unless modified for particular events) Contact 02 4968000.
Yas Water world
Enjoy more than 40 rides and slides at Abu Dhabi’s Emirati-themed waterpark. Hanging lanterns, fences and booths in antique-looking wood, camel statues and sign boards shaped like compasses all add up to an Arabesque flavour over the 15-hectare park on Yas Island. Of the 43 attractions, there are 24 rides, including Liwa Loop, in which riders drop in through a trapdoor; Bandit Bomber, a 550-metre-long “water roller coaster” — other park guests can shoot water cannons at riders as they go past; Slither’s Slides, a series of six flumes with light and video special effects; and Dawwama, which is categorised as “extreme” excitement, a 238-metre-long, 20-metre-high funnel. Five of the rides are unique to the Yas Island park.
Location: Yas Waterworld, Yas Island Cost Dh255 per adult, Dh205 per child, online Dh220 per adult and Dh195 per child Timings Every Thursday from 6pm to 11pm Contact 02 4142000
Go Karting Grand Prix style
You can drive around the famous Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, available now. The premium karting packages will include the hire of essential racing gear such as helmets, gloves, overalls and safety covers as well as a safety briefing from highly experienced Yas Marina Circuit instructors. At the end of the session you will be provided with all of your race results.
Location Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Cost Dh170 (includes gear and safety covers, briefing) Drivers should be 18 or older Date January 25 (more dates later in the year) Contact 800 YAS (927) or +971 2 659 9800
Abu Dhabi Culture: Qasr Al-Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and symbolizes the historical development as well as the political history of its rulers from 1795 to 1966. The building was developed from a freestanding conical tower built in 1761 to protect the newly discovered water source on the island, into a large and fortified fort for the ruler of Abu Dhabi used for defending the area. Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Shakhbut Bin Dhiab, who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1793 to 1816, the old tower that protected the vital water source was integrated into a larger rectangular fort arrangement. Since that date, the fort became the official seat of rule of the Al Nahyan family until 1966. Qasr Al Hosn is the main landmark in the city and it is visited by 10 to 15 busloads of tourists of various nationalities daily.
Location: In the heart of Abu Dhabi, between Zayed the First Street, and Khaled Bin Al Waleed Street Cost Free Timings Daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm Contact 800 724.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Relax surrounded by natural beauty at the Saadiyat Beach Club. Take a cooling dip in the pool and sample the delights that the club’s restaurants and lounges have to offer for the whole day. Entry includes access to the beach, swimming pool and loungers until sunset, to the workout room and spa facilities such as sauna, steam, Jacuzzi and plunge pool until 8pm.
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Cost During the week is Dh220 for singles, Dh370 for couples, Dh110 for 13 to 17 year-olds and Dh75 for 3 to 12 year-olds. Weekend and public holidays prices are Dh420, Dh720, Dh210 and Dh75, respectively. Weekly, monthly and annual packages also available Timings Daily from 8am to sunset Contact 02 6563500.
First Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi
The temple is said to be a replica of the Akshardham temple in Delhi and another BAPS temple in New Jersey.
With seven spires that represent the UAE’s seven emirates and five ornate domes, the temple sports every feature of a traditional Indian temple; it was built according to the ancient Hindu shilpashastras (Sanskrit scriptures of architecture).
Every corner and crevice made of pink stones from Rajasthan and marble from Macedonia are supposedly hand-carved by Indian artisans. These pieces of the temple were shipped to the UAE and assembled there.
Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple boasts a cultural and spiritual centre with six to seven prayer rooms, play areas for children, lush gardens, vegetarian food courts, a library, gift store, exhibition halls, a visitor’s centre and more.
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