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Qasr Al Hosn - A National Monument

This location is featured in Incredible Abu Dhabi

About Qasr Al Hosn - A National Monument

Qasr Al Hosn is the Oldest and Most Significant Building in Abu Dhabi, holding the city’s first permanent structure; a coral and sea stone watchtower. Built around the 1790s, the commanding structure overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing settlement established on the island. It has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council, and a national archive, created by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder, as well as a national archive. It now stands as the nation’s living memorial and a narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history through objects, artifacts, and archival material. The Inner Fort (built-in 1795) and the Outer Palace are the two most famous structures of Qasr Al Hosn (1939-45). 

Qasr Al Hosn is a national monument that encapsulates the development of Abu Dhabi from a settlement reliant on fishing and pearling in the 18th century to a modern, global metropolis, displaying artifacts and archival materials dating back to as far as 6000BC. It was transformed into a museum in 2018 after over a decade of intensive conservation and restoration work. Today, the magnificent Al Hosn site, which has undergone flawless repairs, is a fantastic spot to spend a few hours while learning about the UAE capital's interesting past.

House of Artisans; a focal point for the celebration, promotion, and preservation of the intangible heritage of the United Arab Emirates. A coordinated effort to protect and bring the traditional Emirati crafts of the past to the heart of contemporary culture, offering training courses, educational workshops, and other public events.

The National Consultative Council; founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan between 1968 and 1970. A vast array of important and historical debates, discussions, and decisions took place in the building, hosting the Federal and National debates up until the late 1990s. On a local and national level, this building witnessed the development of new modern governmental systems, which has its roots in the traditional concepts of ‘Majlis’ and ‘Shura’

 

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Reviews (4787)

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Silvia Erdélyiová
November 27, 2022
A nice historic landmark and worth a visit if you have more time in the city. There is not so much to see, around 1 hour might be enough. It was quite empty when we visited, almost no other visitors. There are also some nice cafes and fountains in the area.
Misha Mittal
November 10, 2023
It’s a public space with some outdoor food and coffee kiosks.nnParking : Basement parking is available. Once you park, you can take the elevator and it takes you to the plaza area right infront of the main building . For those who are attending any special events, it’s best to call them and check for the tickets. Otherwise, one can also always take the ticket on the go for the exhibitions. Behind the main building, there are some coffee shops by the water side. You can experience the downtown while sipping your coffee . Picture one is taken from one of the coffee shops.nnDress: It is best to dress modestly as there are many locals visiting this place.
Dietler Vincent
October 18, 2023
Very nice place with a lot of UAE history and about life in Abu Dhabi.nIf you come to visit Abu Dhabi, it's a must.nI hope that the émirati cuisine restaurant close to the water will open soon.nYou also have a great view on the world trade center
Mohit Daga
August 13, 2023
Very rich history. Modern and chic. The rooms are not air conditioned but the initial chambers are air conditioned but it is for a short stint. Upkeep of the place is fine.
BY
June 2, 2023
Easy access by road.nLocated at the centre of the city.nFree basement parking entry near cultural centre.nAir conditioned.nOne can spend more than 5 hours going through each item.nDiscount for government employees and Fazaa card members.nFriendly staffs.nEach detail is Very well articulated and represented.
Muhammad Abu Bakar
April 25, 2023
Heritage and culture. If you want to spend a peaceful evening with your family, go there.nnBy the afternoon 4-5pm they have their own cultural events and demonstrations to showcase how was the life inside the palace.nnYou are completely allowed to take photos.nnProfessional camera holders may be stopped by security for R questions. I think that goes without saying.
Ravi Shinde
April 5, 2023
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest standing building in Abu Dhabi city. This palace fort is more than 260 years old and was home to the ruling family then. It stood on the shores along with the early settlement and served as an important landmark overseeing the coastal activities. It has four watch towers at four corners and might have been a centre to monitor the area all around.nOver a period of time due to the reclamation of land and urban development, Qasr Al Hosn which once touched the shores, now stands in the middle of the city.nQasr Al Hosn is a heritage building representing the culture and traditions of UAE.nDuring Ramadan, a canon is placed here to fire during the iftar time.nThere is a house of artisans next to it which displays UAE local artisans handicrafts.nThere is Abu Dhabi cultural foundation building which houses a big library and a theatre.nThere is an emirati restaurant called Erth.nThe area is vast and open with water body facing the restaurant area.nHistory lovers and those interested in the culture and heritage will definitely love this place.nQasr Al Hosn has a paid entry for 30 Dirhams.nAccess to the house of artisans is free to public.
Ahmad
April 1, 2023
A must visit place. At the heart of Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn is an old heritage site. Residents and tourists will live it alike. In winter, the place is amazing. There are cafes, stalls and outside seatings.
Oreste Gaspari
March 27, 2023
It is the place where the regent family used to be, today there are 2 forts. An external one with the highest and safest walls and a smaller internal one. All around there is a very nice new area recently created where the locals go for a walk and eat something.In an hour you finish the visit. The fort was reopened after construction work and is now open to visitors and is worth it if you are in the area.
Keith Lambert
March 23, 2023
Amazing place and best place to visit for new arrivals. Gives a great sense of respect and understanding of culture and heritage of the UAE. I've been twice and will go again. Second time we had a tour which didn't cost and extra.
Sunaina Riyaz
March 15, 2023
@alhosnfestival AL HOSN FESTIVAL is a new and unique cultural experience that reflects and reimagines Abu Dhabi’s heritage and dynamic culture. This event of culture is amazing.nEnjoy coffee with friends and family amazing place to visit in Abudhabi and enjoy the perfect winter spot.nThey have free under ground parkingnNo entry fee
Krizelle Pari-an
February 24, 2023
One of the peaceful places here in Abu Dhabi City. You can go for a nice walk, or even a run. You can visit the museums inside, and have coffee while looking at this lovely facade.
Ronnel Davis
July 20, 2023
Went for the pottery workshop and the staff was amazing kind, and helpful. Suggested we visit the ice cream exhibit and it was honestly some of the best ice cream Iu2019ve ever had. The pottery workshop was super fun, being the first time working with clay. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Trehan Allabdeen
May 6, 2023
Went to dine in a restaurant in the attraction itself with a friend. A typical local desert which was very tasty and the price also was reasonable. Place looks nice but didn't with for this purpose. Can tell you more on a day I visit the place itself.
RAMEEZ RAZA
September 19, 2023
Visit this place and you will forget that's its 21st century. You will start imagining the Old Arabia.ud83eudd29ud83eudd29
Adhvaidh Sk
September 19, 2023
Between the present and the pastud83dudd4au303dufe0f
Avi Blum
September 17, 2023
Not any sighn to the Oil industry in the Museaum

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Monday 09:00 - 22:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 22:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 22:00
Thursday 09:00 - 22:00
Friday 14:00 - 22:00
Saturday 09:00 - 22:00
Sunday 09:00 - 22:00
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