The Palace of the Nation makes an exciting visit this time of the year in this glorious weather.
Located within the Presidential Palace compound, Qasr Al Watan is a unique cultural landmark that offers the world a first-of-its-kind insight into the governing principles that shaped the history of the United Arab Emirates and its vision to the future.
More than just a palace and one of the only working Palaces of its kind in the world, Qasr Al Watan takes visitors on an enriching visitor journey that offers a walkway through the UAE’s past, present and future all within a contemporary setting that reflects on governance, knowledge and craftsmanship.
An architectural marvel, Qasr Al Watan’s artistry incorporates centuries of Arabian architectural design and tradition. Visitors can gain a deep appreciation of Arabian architectural craftsmanship and intellectual heritage in a truly enriching journey and can observe how traditional Arabian art and Islamic geometrical patterns have been infused as an integral aspect of the Palace’s design.
Holding a timeless collection of artifacts and rare manuscripts within its House of Knowledge, Qasr Al Watan opens the door to an inspiring intellectual legacy that highlights Arab contributions to various fields of knowledge. The Palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library where visitors can explore a vast collection of books and resources about the UAE and learn about the nation’s journey
The Palace of the Nation invites visitors to enjoy live performances by Abu Dhabi Police’s Music Band, with a show entitled ‘Symphony of The Nation,’ every Sunday and Thursday at 12:30 P.M for a duration of 30 minutes. Once night falls, visitors can also watch the Palace in Motion evening light and sound show and see the presidential palace light up the night with a spectacular audiovisual display that projects onto the façade of the Palace the story of the UAE’s past, present, and future.
With its enriching visitor journey, edifice of knowledge, culture and rich historical legacy to discover, one visit to Qasr Al Watan is never quite enough.
Opening times December 2021:
| DESCRIPTION | TIMING |
| Palace and Visitor Center | Sun-Sat 11:00 am – 18:15 pm; last entry at 17:15 pm |
| Library | Sun-Friday 11:00 am – 18:00 pm |
| Palace in Motion – Light and Sound Show | Sun-Sat 18:45 pm |
| Symphony of the Nation | Sun & Thurs 12:30 pm |
Tickets:
- Standard General Admission ticket prices:
- AED 60 for adults, AED 30 for juniors under 17
- Multimedia Guide – Roam on your own
- Adult Multimedia guide: With the multimedia guide – AED 20 per guide – visitors will be able to listen to pre-recorded audio clips in their language of choice and be guided on an interactive cultural journey as they explore the Palace at leisure, (available in the following languages: English, Arabic, German, Russian and Chinese).
- Child-friendly multimedia guide: Priced at AED 20 per guide, This guide is a child-friendly and simplified version of the adult experience that includes interactive and immersive games to ensure kids are able to follow. Children collect badges and upon completion are given a ‘Najm Al Qasr’ (Star of the Palace) certificate to show appreciation for their hard work and effort.
- Standard Guided Tours
- Also known as the ‘Journey of a Nation Tour’: A complete and comprehensive 60-minute-long tour that explores the majestic hallways of Qasr al Watan as you delve into fascinating exhibitions and artefacts
- To book this tour, visitors need to purchase a Palace and Garden ticket – AED 60 plus the Standard Guided Tour ticket – AED 30 per visitor, total AED 90 per Adult and AED 60 for children under 17 for the Standard Guided Tours
- A scheduled tour conducted by a tour guide is available every 30 mins for groups of up to 30 people (available in the following languages: English, Arabic, Russian and Chinese)
- Architectural Craftsmanship Tour:
- A brief but informative 30-minute tour that explores the key features of Qasr al Watan and its magnificent Arabian Artistry for AED 20 per person
- Private Guided Tours
- Dedicated tour guide (available in the following languages: English or Arabic)
- Price: Visitors need to purchase a Palace and Garden ticket – AED60 per visitor plus AED600 for the Private Guided Tour for up to 20 visitors
- Tour duration: approx. 60 mins
Qasr Al Watan welcomes visitors of all ages daily from 11:00AM to 7:00PM; for more info and to buy your tickets please visit: https://www.qasralwatan.ae/en/booking.