Interested in exploring a piece of Abu Dhabi’s rich history? Qasr Al Hosn, also known as the White Fort, is a must-visit destination for those who love history and culture. This iconic structure is the oldest stone building in the city and served as the residence of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family.
Discover the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates as you explore the walls of Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, a fascinating fortification fit for explorers of all walks of life.
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History of Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi
Over the last 400 years, Abu Dhabi has transformed from a fishing village to the modern city it is today. When the nomadic Bani Yas tribe discovered water sources near, what is now Abu Dhabi, the area became an important settlement in the Middle East, eventually becoming the UAE seat of power in 1795.
What began as a humble watchtower designed to protect one of the only freshwater sources in the region expanded into an expansive fortress – Qasr Al Hosn. Since the 1990s, the structure has undergone significant renovation to preserve this piece of UAE heritage.
Why you should visit Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi
Explore the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, houses the city’s first permanent structure, the watchtower, built in 1790. It oversaw coastal trade routes and protected the settlement.
The site includes the Inner Fort (1795) and the Outer Palace (1939-45), serving as a home to the ruling family, seat of government, and now a museum narrating Abu Dhabi’s history.
After extensive restoration, it showcases artifacts dating back to 6000 BC, depicting the city’s evolution from a fishing village to a modern metropolis.
Pour your own cup of Arabian coffee
For caffeine lovers from near and far, there’s nothing quite like tapping into the coffee culture in each new destination. Offering daily Bait Al Ghawa demonstrations at Al Hosn, you’ll learn how to prepare and pour a cup of coffee using traditional heating and serving methods.
Discover Emirati culture and heritage
For generations, the Emirati people have creatively used the scarce resources available to them to make both functional and artistic items. Explore the House of Artisans at Al Hosn to watch artisans create traditional crafts and learn about the UAE’s heritage through hands-on experiences.
Bedouin women in the United Arab Emirates practice Al-Sadu weaving with wool from sheep, camels, and goats, creating distinct geometrical designs reflecting social identity and the environment.
The date palm in the UAE is crucial for crafts like khoos weaving, where its branches and leaves are used. This traditional technique involves weaving date palm fronds together to create functional objects with personal artistry.
Emirati women practice Talli, a traditional embroidery using cotton, silk, gold, and silver threads to adorn their kandoora and thawb with vibrant designs. Professional seamstresses create intricate and sought-after pieces that demand patience and skill.
For centuries, the United Arab Emirates has been utilizing the sea for trade, using locally crafted boats to foster connections across the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Coastal communities also developed innovative fishing techniques, enhancing their economy by improving catches with unique nets and traps tailored to the diverse marine life in the Arabian Gulf.
Enjoy traditional performances and exhibitions
Inside the stone fortress, visitors will find a wealth of resources to learn about past and present Emirati culture.
Throughout the year, Qasr Al Hosn hosts a variety of lectures, workshops, courses, and performances that shine a light on the traditions and rituals of Abu Dhabi. From dance and musical performances to weaving workshops and interactive children’s crafts, Qasr Al Hosn delivers an authentic cultural experience for visitors and locals alike.
Learn about the history of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi
The Nahyan dynasty, ruling over the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, traces a rich heritage deeply intertwined with Qasr Al Hosn. The Bani Yas tribe, under the leadership of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa, erected the watchtower at Qasr Al Hosn to safeguard the only freshwater well in the area on Abu Dhabi Island.
This watchtower laid the foundational stone for what would become the ruling family’s ancestral home and a bastion signifying the political development and leadership of the Nahyan family. Over the centuries, the small watchtower evolved into a formidable fort, to a palace, and today still embodies the political, social, and cultural ascent of the Nahyan family and their unifying role in the region.
General information about Qasr Al Hosn
Best time to visit
To get the most out of your visit to Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn, staying in the UAE during the shoulder seasons, like fall (September and October) and spring (April and May) is ideal for the best weather and fewer crowds. However, December through March is also an optimal time to visit to snag the best hotel rates.
Qasr Al Hosn is open every day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, with adjusted hours on Fridays (2:00 pm to 8:00 pm). To get the site all to yourself, plan to visit around 10:00.
Best ways to experience Qasr Al Hosn
A guided tour helps to enrich any visitor’s experience of Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. If you are in a larger group, call the venue in advance to arrange a private tour. Or, you can join a regularly scheduled tour when you enter – just ask one of the staff members at the entrance.
How to get to Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is located in the center of Abu Dhabi and can be accessed from anywhere in the city. At the intersection of Al Naser Street, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road, and Sheikh Zayed Road, visitors can find Qasr Al Hosn’s location easily.
From Al Ain
By car
Start in central Al Ain and take the E22 (Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road) west towards Abu Dhabi, driving approximately 140 kilometers. As you enter Abu Dhabi, follow signs to Corniche Road which will lead you directly to Qasr Al Hosn located in the heart of the city.
By public transport
To travel from Al Ain to Qasr al Hosn in Abu Dhabi by public transport, start by boarding an intercity bus like the X90 from Al Ain Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, which takes approximately 2 hours. From there, transfer to a local bus, such as number 94, which stops directly at Qasr al Hosn.
From Dubai
By car
To drive from Dubai to Qasr al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, start on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) heading southbound towards Abu Dhabi, and continue straight until entering the city, where the road becomes Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street. Proceed towards the city center, take the exit toward Khalifa Street, follow it, then turn left onto Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street to reach Qasr al Hosn.
By public transport
To travel from Dubai to Qasr al Hosn in Abu Dhabi using public transport, start by taking the E100 bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or the E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. From there, take a local bus or taxi to reach Qasr al Hosn, located in the center of Abu Dhabi.
Where to eat near Qasr Al Hosn
Erth Restaurant Al Hosn
Awarded a Michelin star in 2024, Erth Restaurant is a fine dining experience along the water. Featuring dishes with fresh ingredients and a creative flair, you’ll feel like royalty at their table.
Great Rasoi Restaurant
In the mood for a blend of Indian food from both the northern and southern regions? The Great Rasoi features an all-day menu – including breakfast – with extensive meat and vegetarian options.
Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant
If you are willing to walk a little further, fresh seafood might be worth the legwork. A completely customizable dining experience, Off the Hook’s menu allows guests to pick and choose their fresh catch of the day – fish, crab, lobster, and squid – and adjust the flavor profile and spice level to suit all tastes.
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