Qasr Al Watan
قصر الوطن
A working presidential palace of the UAE, with white granite walls and gold decoration, a grand domed hall and the House of Knowledge.
Qasr Al Watan, meaning 'Palace of the Nation', has been open to the public since 2019. It is the official venue where the UAE President receives foreign heads of state and convenes Supreme Council meetings. The exterior is white granite and limestone, and the central dome is 37 meters in diameter. The interior Great Hall is extremely ornate, with gold and white geometric patterns, huge chandeliers and Arabic calligraphic decoration. Open areas include the Great Hall, the banquet hall, the Supreme Council chamber, the Diplomatic Gift Gallery (displaying gifts presented by heads of state) and the House of Knowledge library, which showcases the Arab world's contributions to astronomy, science and literature. Tickets cost about AED 65, including the palace and gardens (check the official website). Every evening there is a projection and light show called 'Palace in Motion', which requires a separate ticket. The palace stands on a peninsula west of the Emirates Palace hotel. A taxi from the city centre takes about 15 minutes, and a shuttle bus takes you from the entrance to the palace. Dress appropriately.
Opening hours
10:00am–7:00pm (last entry 6:00pm; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Emirates Palace
- Etihad Towers Observation Deck at 300
- Heritage Village
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Hudayriyat Island
- Umm Al Emarat Park
- Mina Zayed Fish Market & Dhow Harbour