Explore, experience and enjoy the history of Abu Dhabi at the place it all began.
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, home to the city’s first permanent structure; the watchtower. Built around the 1790’s, this commanding structure overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing settlement established on the island.
History
Legend has it that in 1761 a hunting party chased a Gazelle across the Khor Maqta and discovered water springs on the island.
The then Sheikh Dhiyab ordered his son Sheikh Shakbout to move to the island which he did and built a village with a fort around the well and the fort, Qasr Al Hosn became the center of the development housing the Sheikhs and Abu Dhabi was born.
Design
Qasr Al Hosn is made up of an Inner Fort – or ‘Hosn’ – that was built with coral and sea stone by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab in 1795 and an Outer Palace – or ‘Qasr’ – added by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1939.
For decades, Qasr Al Hosn housed the ruling family but by the 1960s, and after further renovations, this beautiful collection of understated buildings became home to the National Centre for Documentation and Research. It remained a resilient symbol of Abu Dhabi’s history, even as the city we know today quickly grew up around it.
Currently, the Qasr al-Hosn houses a museum displaying the history of Abu Dhabi and Arabian Gulf areas through pictures, artifacts, weapons, and other cultural stuff. The fort is considered as a gemstone by the archaeological & historical researchers. It is indeed an iconic heritage attraction of cultural and historical significance.
Its latest incarnation includes a huge new theater, two new exhibition halls, an outdoor gallery, a visual arts center and a children’s library.
There’s also a huge water feature, a mangrove garden, a prayer area and a “house of artisans,” where visitors can watch live demonstrations showcasing traditional handicrafts.
The surrounding area is designed to reflect the geography of the Emirate, from the salt flats to the coast, while the traditional “barjeel” ventilation system, which moderates heat, has also been preserved.
Things to Do
Visitors can explore the historical fort along with the living quarters of Sheikh Shakhbot.
Walking around the site, visitors will be taken through a kind of narrative parkscape from mangroves to a falaj garden, with a subtle separation of the traditional and the model.
In 2019, the site hosted an eight-day cultural celebration: the Al Hosn Festival in honor of the centuries-old monument and its role in the development of the city.
Dining
A new outdoor space has been developed along the lake which offers outdoor seating and there is a lovely café and coffee shop available to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
QASR AL HOSN FESTIVAL
The 10-day festival is one of the most celebrated occasions in the Abu Dhabi calendar. For the past 250 years, it has been a highly-anticipated event. It takes place in the Qasr Al Hosn Square and allows visitors a glimpse at the rich heritage of the UAE and as well as the splendour and ingenuity of this nation.
There are daily shows and performers highlight the global impact of Abu Dhabi in the contemporary world. The Qasr Al Hosn festival attracts many tourists every year.
Timings
Saturday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: AED 30
Children (Under 12): AED 15
The Qasr Al Hosn Ticket will give you access to Al Hosn Palace, the Craftsmen’s House and daily programs.
You can purchase tickets at the door or online at the official Qasr al Hosn website.