Qasr Al Watan - Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Watan: The Perfect Destination for a Cultural and Historical Journey in Abu Dhabi

As the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi has plenty to offer to all types of travellers.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, leisure or a quick escape from the daily grind, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE’s capital city also has a lot to offer travellers interested in discovering and learning about the country’s fascinating history and culture.

If you want to know more about the country’s interesting history and culture, you can cross this off your itinerary by making a palace booking in the UAE for Qasr Al Watan.

Qasr Al Watan, which means Palace of the Nation in English, is the UAE’s official presidential palace. It is a famous cultural landmark located in Abu Dhabi.

The palace was officially opened to the public in March 2019 and, since then, has become a popular tourist destination.

A Guide to Exploring Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is home to various zones that showcase the rich history, culture and architecture of the UAE.

Below is an overview of the top zones in the palace so that you know what to expect and can plan your visit here beforehand:

1.     The Great Hall

Qasr Al Watan’s first zone to visit is the Great Hall, which is the centrepiece of the palace.

The Great Hall is an awe-inspiring sight with its high arches, gilded walls and intricate patterns. It houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, which holds a vast collection of rare manuscripts and documents about various subjects and topics.

The palace library also features other literary resources, including dissertations, research articles, newspapers, magazines and ebooks.

You will be impressed by the Great Hall’s massive chandelier, which is made of thousands of crystals and weighs over eight tons.

The Great Hall is the best starting point for all visitors to get a sense of the palace’s grandeur.

2.     The House of Knowledge

This zone showcases the achievements of various renowned Islamic scholars and scientists.

It houses some of the rarest books, manuscripts and other artefacts in the country and region as well as historical works of calligraphy dating centuries ago.

These historical items highlight the Arab region’s most significant contributions to art, astronomy, literature, science and more.

Additionally, the walls of this space are adorned with fascinating quotes and writings from prominent thinkers, such as Ibn Sina and Al-Farabi.

3.     Spirit of Collaboration

The Spirit of Collaboration exhibit features several memorabilia from various collaborations between the UAE and other countries.

The exhibit tells the story of the UAE’s partnerships with different nations and how these relationships have contributed to the country’s growth and development.

It serves as the official meeting place for the Cabinet and Federal Supreme Council of the UAE.  It also hosted the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and other important events.

The Spirit of Collaboration features interactive displays, multimedia exhibits and artefacts that highlight the UAE’s cultural diversity and its commitment to global cooperation.

4.     Presidential Gifts

The Presidential Gifts exhibit displays the gifts UAE has received from other countries and international organisations.

The exhibit showcases an impressive collection of artefacts, including artwork, jewellery and sculptures, that have been gifted to the nation over the years.

While here, you can learn about the history of these gifts and the significance of the relationships they represent.

Additionally, you will also learn about the cultural considerations and protocols government officials follow in selecting diplomatic gifts.

5.     The Presidential Banquet

The Presidential Banquet Hall is a zone in Qasr Al Watan featuring a stunning dining room where state banquets are held. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the famed Emirati hospitality.

This zone gives visitors an idea of the types of dishes served in a traditional Emirati banquet

You’ll also see here the sets of unique pieces of silver, crystal and china used during an official banquet.

The walls of the hall are also adorned with intricate designs and patterns, which are sure to catch your eye.

Qasr Al Watan’s Other Attractions

Aside from the different zones, there are other attractions you have to see and visit to learn more about the country’s culture and history.

These include the Palace in Motion, a zone which provides visitors with a glimpse into the workings of the palace.

This zone displays the behind-the-scenes activities of Qasr Al Watan in planning, coordinating and hosting official events and ceremonies.

You can also explore the different rooms and chambers of the palace and learn about the protocols and customs followed during official events.

Lastly, drop by the Gardens of Qasr Al Watan, which is a lush oasis of greenery surrounding the palace.

The gardens feature a variety of flora and fauna, including rare plants and trees from various parts of the world.

This outdoor space is an excellent place for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the palace. While here, you can go for a walk along the gardens’ pathways and take in the sights of the beautiful water features and fountains.

With these zones and attractions, there is no doubt that visiting Qasr Al Watan is a must for anyone who wants to explore the best of Abu Dhabi’s cultural and historical treasures.

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