Qasr Al Watan is a cultural landmark and one of a few working palaces in Abu Dhabi that invites citizens, residents and tourists to share in the traditions, knowledge and progressive spirit that shaped the UAE.
Located in the Al Ras Al Akhdar district, Qasr Al Watan is an architectural marvel in its own right that adds to the city’s skyline and pays tribute to Arabian artistry and craftsmanship with every paint stroke, carving, tile choice and mosaic.
In this article, you’ll take your very own private tour through the palace’s gates and discover what many of its rooms and halls have in store for you.
Qasr Al Watan: An Educational and Cultural Experience
Being a presidential palace, It is a custodian of Emirati governance and culture.
Here, you’ll get rare insights into the country’s history and values through several exhibitions and interactive displays and appreciate the principles of traditional Arabian design and how they have influenced the region’s architecture throughout the years.
Let’s dive right into some of the unmissable stops along your tour.
1. The Great Hall
The Great Hall is what you’ll first see once you enter into it and a sight it is. Starting with the central dome, which is a towering 60 meters high and 37 meters wide, a symbol of the UAE’s ambitions and one of Abu Dhabi’s most imposing architectural feats.
Moving on to the choice of colors, you’ll notice plenty of blue, white and yellow in every corner. These three signature colors represent different elements close to Emirati people’s hearts: the waters of the Arabian Gulf, purity and desert sands.
Another noteworthy detail is the rich ornamentation throughout the space. You’ll find geometric shapes subtly incorporated into the walls, floors and ceiling design. Mirrored cubes, Arabesque patterns, curved glass panels and symmetric marble surfaces all come together to create a captivating visual experience that melds the contemporary with the traditional.
Every nook and cranny of this Great Hall speaks to the precision and creativity of the artisans who built it. From there, you can make your way into the other zones to explore more of what the palace has to offer.
2. Spirit of Collaboration
An ode to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s belief in cooperation and unity, the Spirit of Collaboration room honors his legacy of bringing people together for the greater good. It’s within this very space that the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Federal Supreme Council convene to express their ideas and lay out their visions for the future.
And equally inspiring is the Spirit of Collaboration room’s design, which features a chandelier made from 350,000 crystal pieces, another expertly crafted dome, and carved wooden doors.
Between learning about the palace’s role in regional and international relations and admiring the finesse of its interiors, not a moment spent in the Spirit of Collaboration will go to waste.
3. Qasr Al Watan Library
The Palace Library was established to uphold centuries of Arabian literature and knowledge and share it with the rest of the world. A prominent public library in Abu Dhabi, it offers a vast collection of books, manuscripts, audio and video books, multimedia materials, periodicals, research articles and more.
In Qasr Al Watan’s library, you can also avail of many services and well-thought-out facilities that encourage you to explore, read and expand your mind, including:
- Nearly 50,000 books and resources gathered over 35 years on topics like history, sciences, archaeology, art and humanities, literature, and more, both from local and international sources, as well as material about the UAE’s social, political and economic development.
- Member privileges like book loans.
- Computers and tablets with free internet access for research and study purposes.
- Multilingual reading resources in Arabic, English and several other languages.
- Community events that are suitable for all ages, like learning camps, panel discussions, workshops and live cultural performances.
Remember, however, that the library is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
4. Presidential Gifts
Have you ever wondered what heads of state gift one another? Qasr Al Watan’s Presidential Gifts room is your chance to find out. Step into a world of global and royal diplomacy and discover the priceless artifacts on display that tell tales of friendship and cultural exchange between the UAE and other nations.
Among the standout items at the Presidential Gifts is the religious manuscripts collection, which includes a Holy Quran presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In addition, you’ll come across a few other fascinating pieces like samurai armors from Japan, beautifully designed carpets from Turkmenistan, hooded falcon masks from Germany, and so much more.
Visit the Palace of the Nation
With all that’s been said, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the experiences, stories and treasures waiting for you at Qasr Al Watan. To truly appreciate it, you need to see it for yourself.
So, plan your visit to the Palace of the Nation today (booking is available online) and embark on a journey of knowledge, culture and history like no other.
