Visitors crossing the patterned marble forecourt in front of the domed white Qasr Al Watan palace.
Visitor crossing the patterned forecourt towards the palace at twilight
The palace's carved white dome against a deep blue sky with a crescent moon above
Qasr Al Watan's main entrance arch framed by its white colonnaded wings
Visitor standing at the centre of the gold calligraphy installation
Two visitors walking the palace's marble corridor lined with turquoise tilework
The palace arcade and palms mirrored in a still reflecting pool
Qasr Al Watan lit gold at dusk with its patterned forecourt in the foreground
Detail of the patterned geometric ceiling vaults inside Qasr Al Watan
Visitor standing between the tall white columns of the palace arcade
Visitor crossing the sunlit forecourt beneath the palace's pointed arches
The white domed facade and central arch of Qasr Al Watan under a clear sky
Visitor seated on the palace steps below the arched entrance at sunset
Visitors beside the gold House of Knowledge sphere sculpture in the palace atrium
Visitor at the centre of the gold Arabic calligraphy dome installation
Visitor beneath the gold calligraphy sphere in the domed Great Hall
Visitor in white headscarf looking across the palace reflecting pool
Visitor beside the mirrored gold and white sculpture in the palace hall
Qasr Al Watan seen across its long turquoise water feature and fountains
Visitor standing in front of the woven gold House of Knowledge sphere
Visitor standing in the palace's gilded and patterned entrance hall
Visitor in the marble colonnade of the palace interior
Visitor in a kandura facing the floodlit palace at sunset
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Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket

1 hour and 30 minutes

Easy

Visit Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi's extraordinary Presidential Palace segment with significant buildings.
Qasr Al Watan is a working presidential palace that opened its doors to the public in 2019, and that is what separates it from a museum: these are the rooms where the UAE receives heads of state and holds its councils, not a reconstruction of them. The Great Hall stands beneath a dome 37 metres across, finished in white marble, mother-of-pearl and gold leaf, with a chandelier at its centre weighing several tonnes. The House of Knowledge holds manuscripts and rare volumes tracing Arab contributions to astronomy, mathematics and medicine. Other rooms open onto the presidential library, the council chamber and a gallery of state gifts. In the evening a light-and-sound show is projected onto the palace facade, telling the country's story across the building itself. Allow around ninety minutes to two hours. The palace is air-conditioned throughout; dress is smart casual, with shoulders and knees covered.
What's included?
  • Entry or admission fee

Entry to Qasr Al Watan, the working presidential palace in Abu Dhabi

Access to the Great Hall beneath its 37-metre dome

Access to the House of Knowledge, holding manuscripts and rare volumes

Exclusions
  • Parking fees
  • Food & drinks
  • WiFi
Please note
  • Dress code
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible for those with limited mobility

This is a working presidential palace, and dress is enforced at the door: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, no sleeveless tops, shorts or torn clothing. Smart casual is the safe standard. Allow around 90 minutes to two hours to see the Great Hall, the House of Knowledge and the presidential library without rushing. The palace is in the Ras Al Akhdar district of Abu Dhabi, roughly 90 minutes' drive from Dubai, so plan travel time if you are coming for the day. The building is fully air-conditioned, level and accessible, with lifts and wheelchair access throughout. Photography is permitted in the public rooms. The evening light-and-sound show on the palace facade runs at a set time after sunset and may require its own admission - check when you book if you want to see it.

What to bring