Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan isn't your typical government building. This working presidential palace opened its doors to visitors in 2019, giving everyone a chance to experience Arab culture and heritage firsthand. Located in Abu Dhabi's western district, the palace showcases the very best of local craftsmanship and tradition.

The first thing you'll notice is the striking white exterior. Built from limestone and granite, the palace features perfect geometric patterns and domes that show off traditional Islamic design. Come evening, the whole place lights up, making the architecture even more impressive.

Inside, the Great Hall will stop you in your tracks. Look up at the 37-meter (121-foot) dome covered in intricate designs, with massive crystal chandeliers throwing light everywhere. Book lovers shouldn't miss the palace library - it's packed with rare manuscripts that tell the story of Arab history and knowledge.

Qasr Al Watan is an extraordinary palace with monumental architecture and historical significance. Despite its traditional style, it's one of the newest landmarks in Abu Dhabi. Construction began in 2013 as part of the expansion of Abu Dhabi's government district.

The building process lasted 7 years, until 2017. World-class architects and craftsmen collaborated to blend Arabic tradition with modern technology.

• White limestone from around the world
• High-quality granite for structural reinforcement
• Premium marble for interior decorations
• Gold for ornamental details
• Swarovski crystals for the grand chandeliers

On March 11, 2019, the palace historically opened to visitors by decree of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was a groundbreaking decision, as government buildings of this stature were previously inaccessible to tourists.

• The Palace Library houses rare 16th-century Arabic manuscripts and a first-edition of the first English Quran translation (1734) - a special treat for history buffs.
• The Great Hall's dome weighs more than 12 Boeing 747 jets (2,200 tonnes) and features intricate patterns based on mathematical principles from ancient Islamic scholars.
• Night-time visitors get to see the palace's "moonlight mode" - special lighting that makes the white limestone glow like it's illuminated from within.
• The presidential gift collection displays extraordinary presents given to UAE leaders, including a solid gold replica of Shakespeare's works from the UK and a piece of the Berlin Wall from the US.