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Activity in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Qasr Al Watan

About 2 hoursAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • +5 photos

  • Duration

    About 2 hours

  • Activity level

    Low

Highlights

  • Working presidential palace open to visitors
  • Great Hall beneath a 37-metre dome
  • House of Knowledge manuscript collection
  • Presidential Banquet hall
  • Palace in Motion evening light show
  • Formal gardens and waterfront setting

What's included

For this activity in general. Each option below lists its own.

Included in the activity

  • Palace entry
  • Great Hall, House of Knowledge and Presidential Banquet access
  • Gardens access

Not included

  • Guided tours
  • Food and beverages
  • Hotel transfers
  • Parking

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Qasr Al Watan Entry

General admission to the palace and gardens.

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About this experience

Qasr Al Watan is part of the UAE Presidential Palace complex in Ras Al Akhdar and functions as a working seat of government that also opens to visitors. It was built to put Arabian architecture and craftsmanship on display rather than to imitate a European palace.

The Great Hall runs 100 metres square beneath a dome 37 metres across, finished in geometric tilework and mirrored detail. The House of Knowledge holds manuscripts and Arab contributions to science and astronomy, and the Presidential Banquet hall seats hundreds. After dark, Palace in Motion projects a light-and-sound show onto the palace facade. It is closed on Mondays.

Know before you go

Good to know

  • Clothing must cover both knees and shoulders. Shorts, sleeveless tops and see-through garments are not allowed.
  • Wear comfortable closed shoes. Flip-flops and very casual footwear are not allowed.
  • Non-commercial photography is welcome inside the palace.
  • Free wheelchairs are available on site.
  • The palace covers a lot of ground, so allow time for the gardens as well as the interior.

What to bring

  • Original Passport or Emirates ID (mandatory for palace grounds)
  • Smartphone with digital ticket

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Audio guide
  • Hearing loop
  • Presidential Palace halls, Great Hall, and Presidential banquet rooms are 100% step-free with complimentary wheelchair loan.

Health and safety

  • Strict state security screening; professional tripod cameras, drones, and large luggage prohibited.

Opening hours

  • Mon - Sun: 10 AM - 8 PM
  • Daily 10:00 to 20:00. Palace in Motion sound and light projection show scheduled in the evening (timings announced on-site and updated seasonally).

Where it is

Abu Dhabi

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