Abu Dhabi?s newest cultural landmark, Qasr Al Watan, has opened to the public.
Set within the Presidential Palace compound, following an inauguration ceremony attended by their Highnesses, crown princes and deputy rulers from the seven emirates.
Visitors to Abu Dhabi city?s newest attraction will experience an enriching journey throughout their tour, which aims to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the UAE's governing traditions and values, whilst allowing access to artefacts and rooms that were previously only available to state guests.
Located next to Emirates Palace, the palatial Presidential Palace houses the formal offices of the President, Vice President and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and has been off limits to the public until now.
Qasr Al Watan, or Palace of the Nation, is just one part of the compound which will see visitors learn about the formation of the UAE and its system of governance, and have access to halls typically reserved for official state guests, such as the Spirit of Collaboration, a chamber where Federal Supreme Council and UAE Cabinet meetings as well as official summits are held. Visitors can also explore a collection of diplomatic gifts received from visiting Heads of State and foreign dignitaries, displayed to the public for the first time.
An engaging multimedia show sheds light on the traditional role of a Majlis (meaning council or assembly), whilst the House of Knowledge in the east wing of the Palace allows visitors to access two rooms featuring rare artefacts, books, manuscripts and antiquities from the Arab world. Visitors will also be able to view historical maps that represent some of the earliest Arab contributions to human knowledge during the period of enlightenment, referred to as the Arab Golden Age.
Qasr Al Watan will be open to the public seven days a week from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm with tickets available for purchase from the Visitor Centre and online via the official Qasr Al Watan website www.QasrAlWatan.ae.
