- Abu Dhabi
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Audio guide: English
Wheelchair accessible
The sublime facade of Qasr Al Watan may not be centuries old, but that detracts nothing from this glorious palace that was only completed in 2017. Explore Arabian heritage, redefined through the lens of the 21st century, and discover the UAE's opulent culture, rich craftsmanship, and time-honored traditions reflected in every inch of this stunning structure.
Qasr Al Watan Palace was a massive undertaking to pay tribute to traditional Arabian architecture and design. Walking up to its entrance is almost reminiscent of the picture-perfect grandeur famously seen in photographs of the Taj Mahal.
Wander the mesmerizing Great Hall and gaze at the detail in mosaic patterns and curving archways, which are celebrations of classic Emirati architecture. The meticulously crafted 37-meter wide central dome is one of the largest on Earth.
The palace's key aim is to promote the heritage of the UAE, and nowhere is this more successful than in the House of Knowledge. Learn about the Islamic Golden Age and see the famous Birmingham Quran, one of the oldest surviving records of the Islamic holy book, believed to be over 1,000 years old.
The Presidential Palace complex – one of the rare few open to the public – has spaces for meetings with dignitaries from around the globe. You're free to explore its grand chambers and the Presidential Banquet Hall. See a chandelier comprising 350,000 crystals, and stand where the future of an entire region is decided!