Qasr Al Watan is the Presidential Palace located in Abu Dhabi and is used for official business such as hosting foreign leaders and for meetings like the summit of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In March 2019 the palace was opened to the public for the first time.
Rebabah instrument
Qanun instrument
The Official Meeting Room
The Official Meeting Room
The Presidential Banquet
The Presidential Banquet
Meeting Room for Leagues and Summits
Holy Qur’an diplomatic gifts
Weaponry diplomatic gifts
Falcon diplomatic gift
Iraqi Guitar diplomatic gift
Kingdom of Bahrain diplomatic gift (below)
The Great Hall
Al Fowala Lounge
ABOUT QASR AL WATAN
"Qasr Al Watan is more than a palace, it is a unique testament to the spirit of the United Arab Emirate's people and its leaders. The Palace invites the world to share our culture, knowledge and inspiring journey. Qasr Al Watan is more than just a palace, it is an enriching interactive journey in a contemporary setting that reveals and reflects on governance, knowledge and craftsmanship.
The visitor experience at Qasr Al Watan is an inspiring and educational tour of Emirati and Arabian excellence. Here, visitors will learn about the principles that have propelled traditional Arabian design to remarkable status. Visitors will also gain a rare insight into Emirati governance and culture through the Palace’s exhibits. Most notably, visitors will enjoy exploring the expansive selection of timeless books and manuscripts at House of Knowledge and Qasr Al Watan Library.
A Memory from the Palace
Take back a moment from your journey with us. At the start of the tour experience, visitors can enjoy a special photo opportunity in the Palace’s dedicated Media Room. There is simply no better way to commemorate a visit to one of the world’s most unique cultural landmarks. Photos can be picked up at the gift shop once the tour has ended.
The Great Hall
Step into a true testament of traditional Arabian craftsmanship and artistry. Within this grand space, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s architectural and artistic legacy. From the central dome and archways to the ornamentation and mosaic patterns, The Great Hall is truly a sight to behold. Every visitor can also reflect upon the mesmerising details of The Great Hall by exploring the mirrored cubes positioned at every corner of this exquisitely crafted zone.
Presidential Gifts
Explore a collection of gifts signifying a legacy of good will between the United Arab Emirates and the world. Explore a collection of gifts signifying a legacy of good will between the United Arab Emirates and the world.
Discover how our nation hosts the world. Behind these doors lies an immaculately set banqueting hall wherein officials from around the globe are treated to a unique taste of Emirati hospitality. Visitors of The Presidential Banquet can enjoy an in-depth introduction to the customs, protocols, cuisine and even the unique collections of silver, crystal and china that make this experience a truly remarkable, world-class affair.
Spirit of Collaboration
This is the official meeting place for the UAE Cabinet and the Federal Supreme Council.
Walk into the space where the region’s future is being decided. Here is where entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council come together to express ambitions, set agendas, and map the way forward. Visitors can learn about diplomacy and protocol as they admire the iconic chandelier and circular layout of the room, symbolising the UAE’s commitment to equality and illumination.
The Presidential Banquet
Discover how our nation’s leaders host the world’s leading dignitaries with a unique taste of Emirati hospitality. Behind these doors lies an immaculately set banqueting hall wherein officials from around the globe are treated to a unique taste of Emirati hospitality. Visitors of The Presidential Banquet can enjoy an in-depth introduction to the customs, protocols, cuisine and even the unique collections of silver, crystal and china that make this experience a truly remarkable, world-class affair.
Discover how our nation’s leaders host the world’s leading dignitaries with a unique taste of Emirati hospitality.
House of Knowledge
Uncover the monumental influence of Arabian scholarship on human civilization and progress.
In this enlightening exhibition, visitors will encounter a vast selection of valuable artifacts and manuscripts that shed light on the Arab region’s most notable contributions to astronomy, science, art, literature and much more. Amidst House of Knowledge’s curated pathways, visitors will also gain an understanding of the origins of Arabian libraries.
Qasr Al Watan Library
Unlock a legacy of knowledge told through a vast collection of timeless literature at Qasr Al Watan Library.
Envisioned by HH the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Qasr Al Watan Library is aimed at preserving and sharing centuries of Arabian knowledge and culture with the world. Featuring a collection of 50,000 books from various ages of Arabian scholarship, this library is an expansive space where history and knowledge help inspire and mold the future.
A Celebration of Acceptance
Witness the United Arab Emirates’ mission in becoming a more inclusive society and promoting positive social change for People of Determination.
On December 15 2018, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. This theme aims to highlight the UAE as a bridge of communications between cultures and expands opportunities for dialogue, while also showing the impact of tolerance on society.
In this spirit, Abu Dhabi hosted the Special Olympics World Games in 2019. The event marked the first time the World Games were celebrated in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) country. It also reflected the UAE’s mission to become a more inclusive society and to promote positive social change for people of determination.
History Made During the Year
Discover how declaring 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, supports the United Arab Emirates in spreading love and tolerance as a pathway for humanity towards peace.
The declaration of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance in the United Arab Emirates, highlighted the country as a beacon of coexistence and of openness to different cultures. During this important year, His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr Ahmad Al Tayyeb, Gran Imam of the Al Azhar Al Sharif, accepted the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to visit the country in February, marking an important step in interfaith relations between Muslims and Christians.
The historic event was the first time a pope had visited the Arabian Peninsula. At the time, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “It (this visit) embodies our belief in the values of love and tolerance as a pathway for humanity towards peace, security, stability and rapprochement between different people and cultures.”Qasr Al Watan Library." https://www.qasralwatan.ae/