Must-see <\/h4>\n
The Great Hall Spirit of Collaboration The Presidential Banquet Al Barza House of Knowledge<\/p>\n
Things to know <\/h4>\n
Size: 3,80,000 m\u00b2Opened: 2015Architect: Xavier CartronArchitectural style: Ethnic<\/p>\n
Opening Hours And Address<\/h4>\n
Daily – 10:00 am to 8:00 pmLight show at 7:30 pmAddress : Al Ras Al Akhdar,Abu Dhabi,United Arab EmiratesGet Directions<\/a><\/p>\n Qasr Al Watan, is just one part of the sprawling Presidential Palace compound in Ras Al Akhdar. It was a mysterious labyrinthine of white domes, opulent buildings and well manicured gardens that were off limits to the public after its construction in 2015. But, not anymore. You can now step foot into a part of the grandiose palace and revel in its architecture, precious manuscripts and sculptures. A visit here draws back the curtain on the rarefied world of the Arabian royal court and that is something no one has ever seen till date.<\/p>\n The palace houses the formal offices of the President, the Vice President and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and while you can’t visit these parts, you never know when you may chance upon them!<\/p>\n The world famous Emirates Palaces stands adjacent to the Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi. However, Qasr Al Watan’s pearl white fa\u00e7ade blazing in the afternoon sun, contrasting sharply with the blue of the sea makes the Emirates Palace look rather less impressive.<\/p>\n Read our guide on visiting the Emirates Palace<\/a> and plan your trip better. <\/p>\n While its mere architecture and opulence is a reason enough to lay eyes on the Palace, here’s why you must visit the Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n Celebrate UAE National Day with Exclusive Travel Offers! \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddea<\/p>\n Make this UAE National Day unforgettable with incredible travel deals designed just for you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n EXPLORE NOW<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Qasr Al Watan is built on the Ras Al Akhdar peninsula, adjacent to the Emirates Palace hotel spanning 150 hectares of land. The architectural style is similar to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque<\/a> with flickers of Mughal-era architecture that was in vogue during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the chief characteristics include large white onion-style domes, lavish courtyards, delicate ornamentation and lush manicured gardens.<\/p>\n The fa\u00e7ade of the palace features white granite and limestone built to last hundreds of years. The beige and honey hues signify the UAE\u2019s landscape of ever-shifting sands, the white is an ode to purity and the blue represents the sky. In essence, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi is gold with a hint of caramel and sunshine.<\/p>\n The interior of the Palace of Nations Abu Dhabi is decorated using white, yellow and blue to signify the landscape of the region.The Palace’s architectural and interior design also echos the importance of the exhibits housed within its walls.<\/p>\n Over and above the ticket price, you can book a guided tour. Standard English or Arabic guided cost Dhs 30 per pax<\/b>. These tours are limited to 20 visitors per tour. Individuals or groups of up to 20 can arrange for a private guided tour in either English or Arabic for Dhs 600.<\/p>\n Guided tours depart every 30 minutes in English or Arabic languages. They last for 60 minutes and give you access to both the Palace and Garden.<\/p>\n Qasar Al Watan Guided tours give you a glimpse of Arabian craftsmanship and takes you through centuries of knowledge in the form of books, manuscripts, exhibitions and artwork. You can gain a deeper understanding about the rulers and institutions of the country. Those visiting at night receive a special treat of a light and sound show told in three acts covering the past, present and future vision of the country.<\/p>\n The Palace of the Nations tour takes you through 8 areas of significance inside the Palace. Here’s a quick glimpse.<\/p>\n The guided tour begins at the Great Hall which stands at the heart of the building, measuring 100×100 metres. The highlight of the hall is without doubt the main dome – one of the largest in the world and the largest in the region, measuring 37 metres in diameter. The intricate craftsmanship invested in every single element of The Great Hall is simply spellbinding.<\/p>\n This room was designed to host meetings of the Federal Supreme Council, as well as summits of organisations such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation<\/p>\n This banquet is reserved for official occasions, but is also an ode to Emirati hospitality. About 149,000 unique pieces of silver, crystal and china were specially designed and made for the palace. The plates are hand-painted and the food reflects the country where the host comes from. The banquet has been designed such that the tables at the front are half empty so guests do not turn their backs on the hosts. One of the most popular meals served here is quzi \u2013 an entire lamb sitting on a bed of rice.<\/p>\n This exhibition showcases the diplomatic gifts UAE has received from foreign dignitaries during state visits. Lay your eyes on carpets from Turkmenistan, an ornate sword and shield from Kazakhstan, armour from Japan and a beautiful khanjar from Oman, all adding a splash of colour to the dry world of diplomacy.<\/p>\n The House of Knowledge in the east wing of the Palace has two rooms featuring rare artefacts, books, and manuscripts including The Birmingham Qur’an, The Atlas Manuscript on Astronomy and Explanation of Lamiat Al-Zukak on law and judiciary rules and antiquities from the Arab world. You can also view key artefacts and historic maps that represent some of the earliest Arab contributions to human knowledge during the period of enlightenment referred to as the Arab Golden Age.<\/p>\n At the Al Barza, you can aquaint yourself with the traditional role of a majlis- a space for cultural, political and social gatherings – through an engaging multimedia show which sheds light on the continuation of a tradition historically followed by Emirati leaders to govern with the consensus of their people.<\/p>\n The Qasr Al Watan Library is where scholars can explore a vast collection of over 50,000 books and resources about the UAE and learn about the nation’s progressive journey. It houses examples of Travelogues on History, Architecture, Biology and Ethnography and also features a Digital Library collection of over 16 million items, which can be accessed online from anywhere within the emirate of Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n If you’re visiting the Palace in the evening, you can enjoy a magnificent light and sound show projected onto the fa\u00e7ade of the iconic building. A story told in three acts, the show draws a link between the aspirations of Qasr Al Watan and the vision of the nation, reflecting on the UAE’s journey of the past, present and future.<\/p>\n Qasr Al Watan will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Palace in Motion evening light and sound show starts at 7:30 PM daily for a duration of 15 minutes<\/p>\n Reaching Qasr Al Watan is a simple affair.<\/p>\n Yes, food and drinks are available in 5 locations on site, offering everything from grab and go options, to casual dining, a tea house, and even fine dining. You can find one grab and go cafes in the visitor centre and other at the Zayed Gate, two sit down restaurants in the main building, and a caf\u00e9 in the library.<\/p>\n It is forbidden to take pictures or film security staff or security systems in the palace or on the grounds, but you are free to take pictures anywhere else at Qasr Al Watan as a private visitor.<\/p>\n There is ample free parking on site. Valet parking is also available at the visitor centre, seven days a week between 9.30 AM and 9.30 PM , for Dhs 80.<\/p>\n Wheelchairs are available on request for disabled people and the elderly. It is free of cost. A limited number of pushchairs are also available for hire at Dhs 40. Pushchairs must be checked in at the security screening area in the visitor centre.<\/p>\n You can smoke at the dedicated smoking area located outside the visitor centre. Smoking is not permitted anywhere else inside the palace or its grounds.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, there is no Wi-Fi available on site for security purposes.<\/p>\n Yes, you cannot carry the following things inside.<\/p>\n Yes, there are two gift shops inside \u2013 one in the visitor centre and one in the main palace building, selling \u201cexquisitely crafted gifts\u201d and souvenirs inspired by Qasr Al Watan.<\/p>\n It certainly has the WOW factor …followed by oh my goodness !! Reductions for seniors. Wheelchair hire. Golf carts from car park and coach from visitors centre…its huge! Stroll around the gardens first for the views. Allow 3 hours minimum. The light show is at 7.30pm<\/p>\n Diana C, Tripadvisor March 2019<\/p>\n The Presidential Palace has just recently opened to the public. The car park is big and the transportation to the actual palace from the visitor centre is organised very well. it’s 60dhs for a ticket for the palace and the gardens. it’s an additional 30dhs for a 1hr guided tour (every hour) which I’d recommend to do first then you can wonder around yourself afterwards. I was told about a 3D light show that happens every day at 7.30pm outside but unfortunately on the day we went, it was cancelled due to technical reasons.<\/p>\n Tintana, Tripadvisor March 2019<\/p>\n Read more Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi reviews<\/a> and learn what past visitors have to say.<\/p>\nQasr Al Watan – Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhy visit Qasr Al Watan? <\/h2>\n
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Qasr Al Watan History & Architecture<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nQasr Al Watan Tickets & Tour<\/h2>\n
Qasr Al WatanTour Prices<\/h3>\n
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Qasr Al Watan Tour Timings<\/h3>\n
Why take a Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Tour?<\/h3>\n
Inside the Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi – Qasr Al Watan Tour Highlights<\/h2>\n
The Great Hall<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n Spirit of Collaboration<\/h3>\n
The Presidential Banquet<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n Presidential Gifts<\/h3>\n
House of Knowledge<\/h3>\n
Al Barza<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n Qasr Al Watan Library<\/h3>\n
Palace in Motion (Light and Sound show)<\/h3>\n
Qasr Al Watan Opening Hours<\/h2>\n
Getting to Qasr Al Watan<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Are there restaurants\/cafes inside Qasr Al Watan?<\/h4>\n
Is photography permitted inside Qasr Al Watan?<\/h4>\n
Where can I park my car at Qasr Al Watan?<\/h4>\n
Are wheelchairs\/pushchairs available on site? Is the palace wheelchair friendly? <\/h4>\n
Is smoking allowed inside the Qasr Al Watan premises?<\/h4>\n
Is there Wi-Fi at the Palace of the Nation, Abu Dhabi ?<\/h4>\n
Is there a list of prohibited items that I cannot take with me inside the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace? <\/h4>\n
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Is there a gift shop from where I can pick up a souvenir at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi?<\/h4>\n
Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Reviews<\/h2>\n