The Palace of the Nation, or Qasr Al Watan in Al Ras Al Akhdar, is an architectural masterpiece. Its breathtaking symmetry and spotless white walls are undeniably impressive. However, its significance goes beyond its stunning looks. It's the perfect attraction to add to your school program for historical and cultural immersion.
Every corner and artifact of the Palace emanates deep symbolism and connects the modern nation to its centuries-old traditions. As such, a visit to Qasr Al Watan is a journey into the UAE's past, present, and future.
Look Back and Move Forward
Abu Dhabi is a highly cosmopolitan emirate with towering skyscrapers, Michelin-star-level degustation, incredible theme parks, and luxury hotels but it wasn't always like this. A quick look into the early 20th century reveals how vastly different modern-day Abu Dhabi is from how it used to be.
It is believed the first human settlement in Abu Dhabi was established in 1761, and the ruling Al Nahyan family was established shortly after that, in 1793. At this time, Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village where people dived for pearls and fished for a living.
Abu Dhabi discovered it had oil in 1958, and this discovery was life-changing. Abu Dhabi started exporting crude oil in 1962.
After Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan took over the reins of government, he pushed for the formation of the United Arab Emirates. His dream came to fruition in 1971, the founding year of the UAE.
A lot has changed since the Bani Yas tribe first settled in Abu Dhabi. Everywhere you look, there's construction, progress, and wealth. To honor everything that has come before and equip future generations for what's to come, Abu Dhabi engaged in a spate of infrastructure development projects, including the construction of ambitious architectural masterpieces like Qasr Al Watan.
The construction of Qasr Al Watan took seven years. In 2019 – two years after it was completed – Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan opened the Palace to the public, providing tourists and residents with the precious opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the UAE's rich historical, political and cultural tapestry.
Look In
Look inside the Palace of the Nation's magnificent halls and experience Arabian heritage in a way few locations can match.
A Grand Welcome: The Great Hall
The Great Hall greets you as soon as you step into the Palace. It is an impressive space that stretches 100 by 100 meters. A 37-meter-diameter dome the biggest in the Palace and adorned by stained glass panels that filter and soften natural light soars 60 meters over the center of the Hall. At every corner of the square Hall is a mirrored cube to add another dimension to how visitors can experience the Great Hall's details and design.
Check out the book-matched marble floors, mosaic walls, and gilded patterns. Every detail displays awe-inspiring Arabian artistry.
Discovering the House of Knowledge
The House of Knowledge is a space exclusively dedicated to celebrating the Arab world's intellectual achievements. It pays tribute to Arab mathematicians, physicists, physicians, astronomers, poets, and artists and their groundbreaking contributions to the world's collective knowledge through interactive exhibits of ancient manuscripts, tools like astrolabes and volvelles, scientific instruments, and various other artifacts.
The space highlights how knowledge was cultivated and shared in the Arab world and how the influence of Arabian scholars extended beyond the Arabian Peninsula and continues to be felt today. The House of Knowledge is a staunch reminder of the Arab world's long and proud intellectual tradition.
The Presidential Gifts Hall: A Global Narrative
The Hall of Presidential Gifts displaysdiplomatic giftsfrom leaders around the world. It's a rich exhibit of emblems, weapons, carpets, vases, wreaths made of precious metals, and traditional dresses.
The gifts are undeniably dazzling and valuable, but their meaning transcends their beauty and monetary value. Each one is a piece of the giver's culture, history, values, or identity, presented to the UAE as a symbol of friendship and mutual respect.
The Spirit of Collaboration: Politics in Action
The Spirit of Collaboration Hall is where local and international leaders meet to discuss issues, laws, and policies. The circular seating arrangement symbolizes equality and unity, and at the center of the Hall, hanging from the dome is a show-stopping chandelier with 350,000 crystals.
A Sanctuary for Knowledge: The Qasr Al Watan Library
The Qasr Al Watan Library is a public library with more than 50,000 titles in Arabic, English and other languages in print. There's more in digital format.
The Palace in Motion: A Spectacle of Light and Sound
Enjoy one final, unforgettable experience come sundown: the Palace in Motion light and sound show. The Palace's white exterior walls transform into a canvas that tells the story of the UAE's history, what it is right now, and its vision for the future. It is a fitting conclusion to a day of historical and cultural immersion and exploration, leaving visitors with a lasting impression of the UAE's journey from its rich past to its vision of the future.
A Journey Through Time and Culture
Qasr Al Watan is a place you don't merely visit, but experience. The outstanding artistry of its construction and the intellectual treasures housed within its walls tell a powerful story about the UAE's history, culture, legacy, and identity.
