About Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi

Pay a visit to the Qasr Al Hosn fort, the oldest stone building and one of the most culturally significant structures in all of Abu Dhabi. It was the central structure from which the rest of Abu Dhabi was born, and is therefore, a major testament to this city’s rich history. Dating back to the 1790s, the Qasr Al Hosn palace and fort is also home to Abu Dhabi’s very first permanent structure, a watchtower, which overlooks the sea, and was built to safeguard the island settlements here.

The fort has also served as the former seat of the Abu Dhabi government, and has been the abode of several important buildings here, including the Al Hosn Palace, the Cultural Complex, National Consultative Council as well as the House of Artisans, among others. Additionally, it was also the home of the ruling party ever since the 18th century.

As of today, the Qasr Al Hosn fort is also a museum, where you can witness manuscripts and relics from times immemorial, in addition to tools, weapons and other artefacts that date back to as early as the 6,000 BC. To learn about the origins of Abu Dhabi and the age-old stories associated with it, Qasr Al Hosn is the best place to be.

Book Qasr Al Hosn Tickets Online

The best way to get your Qasr Al Hosn tickets is to book them online. By purchasing them online, you can enjoy a faster entry into the fort, without having to wait in the long queues during your visit. Additionally, you can also skip the heat and the rush at the ticket counters, and explore the fort and its different attractions at a more comfortable pace. By pre-booking your Qasr Al Hosn tickets online, you can also avail a plethora of exciting deals and discounts, and thereby save some money during your trip. The price of an online ticket to the Qasr Al Hosn fort typically includes your admission ticket to the fort, along with a complimentary entry into the various attractions within it. These include the entry into the House of Artisans and Cultural Foundation, as well as Landscapes.

Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket
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Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket
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Highlights
  • Gain exclusive access to halls typically reserved for official summits, offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the nation

  • Experience the Palace in Motion show, a mesmerizing display that brings the palace to life through a combination of lights, sound & projections

  • Marvel at the iconic design of Qasr Al Watan, meticulously crafted to pay tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry.

  • Stroll through various zones like an observation deck, providing panoramic views of Abu Dhabi's skyline from the palace's

  • Book the Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi tickets and take a stroll through the stunning gardens offering picturesque views of the surroundings.

  • Book Qasr Al Watan tickets online in advance and gets easy entry without standing in a long queue

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Must Know Before You Go
  • A valid government issued ID matching the name listed in the booking should be provided to gain entry into Qasr Al Watan.
  • You can also find souvenir shops and restaurants in Qasr Al Watan, located in the Mail Hall area.
  • Photography on mobile phones and DSLR cameras is allowed but for non-commercial use only.
  • Prayer rooms for both men and women are available.
  • Please make sure to keep your mobile phones on silent mode before entering the palace.
  • The last entry to the Palace in Motion (Light show) is 30 minutes before the showtime.
  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the venue.
  • Pets are not allowed inside the venue, with the exception of service animals with valid identification.
  • Valet parking is available at the Visitor Center Car Park at a charge of AED 80. It is available from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, 7 days a week.
  • Bags and cases with dimensions more than 500 X 350 mm won't be allowed inside the palace.
  • The ticket includes access to the Palace in Motion (Light show) if it takes place on the date of your visit.
  • Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue.
  • Palace in Motion Show Timing: Regular show time begins at 6:30 pm on every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Timings are subject to change as per seasons.
  • The last entry to the Qasr Al Watan Palace is at 5:30 pm.
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Highlights of Qasr Al Hosn Fort

 Highlights of Qasr Al Hosn Fort
  • Enjoy an entry into the historically significant Qasr Al Hosn fort Abu Dhabi, which is the oldest stone building in the city
  • Learn about the rich history of Abu Dhabi as you discover the ancestral home of the Al Nahyan
  • Explore the Inner Fort and Outer Palace at Qasr Al Hosn, thereby witnessing the symbolic heart of the city
  • Get a chance to gain insights into how Abu Dhabi developed from a traditional pearl village to a modern metropolis, amongst the best in the world
  • Head deeper into the fort and learn about the vibrant heritage of this region at the House of Artisans and the Cultural Foundation, which preserve Abu Dhabi’s culture and art

Explore the House of Crafts at Qasr Al Hosn Palace

Al-Sadu
Al-Sadu

A traditional form of weaving, practised predominantly by the Bedouin women, Al-Sadu is a method that uses animal wool, from sheep, goats and camels, to create beautiful designs of garments. These are rich in geometrical patterns, which reflect the identity and surroundings of the tribe. You can see the Al-Sadu weaving techniques used in the bait al-sha’ar, which is a type of tent, or in staad, which are accessories used to decorate camels here.

Khoos
Khoos

A unique type of art, Khoos is a traditional handicraft of the region, which involves braiding or weaving together date palm fronds, leaves as well as branches. This art is used to form products like table mats, baskets with lids, the mahafah or handheld fans, makabah or covers to protect food and more.

Talli
Talli

At the Qasr Al Hosn fort, you can get a chance to see Talli, which is a traditional form of decorative embroidery practised by the Emirati. In this form of art, people typically use cotton or silk threads to create stunning embroidery on traditional garments. These threads are mixed with gold and silver threads to make beautiful designs on the collars, sleeves or the hems of the outfit.

Sea Craft
Sea Craft

You can also see a variety of Sea Craft during your visit to the fort. Since fishing and boat building has been a part of this region for a long time, the fort showcases local artisans displaying their skills by creating unique designs for fishing nets and traps, designs of boats and more, thereby showcasing the rich sea life in the Arabian Gulf.

Essential Information about Qasr Al Hosn Palace Abu Dhabi

Best Time to Visit & Location
How to Reach
History
Best Time to Visit & Location

Best Time to VisitThe best time to visit the Qasr Al Hosn fort Abu Dhabi is soon after it opens in the mornings, around 10:00 a.m. It is during this time when you can enjoy exploring the fort comfortably, due to less crowds and rush of visitors. Additionally, you can also enjoy the different activities and events that are held here during this time, due to shorter waiting queues.

Location & Opening HoursThe Qasr Al Hosn Fort is located at Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St) - Al Hisn - W3 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates.The Qasr Al Hosn Fort remains open between 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. from Saturdays to Thursdays, and between 02:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Qasr Al Hosn FAQ's

What is Qasr Al Hosn?

    Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building and structure in all of Abu Dhabi, dating back to as early as the late 18th century. Considered to be the legacy and history of the city, it is here where you can learn about how Abu Dhabi progressed from a fishing and pearling settlement thousands of years ago, to one of the most developed modern metropolises in the world.

What are the online activities conducted at Qasr Al Hosn Palace?

What is the recommended visiting age range?

Are there praying facilities at the site?

What are the other experiences that you can enjoy while your visit to Abu-Dhabi?

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