We’ve all driven past those incredibly grand gates and wondered what it would be like to take a glimpse inside Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace.
Up until now the public haven’t been allowed inside the grounds, but that is about to change.
From noon on Monday March 11 the public will be able to take tours around a building in the palace compound.
Qasr Al Watan, which translate as Palace of the Nation, contains interactive exhibitions, a library containing books and resources about the UAE and the House of Knowledge, which highlights the contributions made Arabs to various fields of study.
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces announced the decision, and said that HH President Sheikh Khalifa hopes that the move will help boost cultural understanding of the UAE.
In line with the UAE President's vision, I have given directives to allocate a building in the Presidential Palace compound, called Qasr Al Watan, 'Palace of the Nation'. Visitor tours of the palace will serve as a knowledge base and boost cultural understanding of the UAE. pic.twitter.com/eFYJZGYySU
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 4, 2019
The Presidential Palace was completed in 2015, and the key features include large white onion-style domes, lavish furnishings, gold decorations and immaculate gardens.
It houses the offices of the President, Vice President and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and the palace has hosted various global leaders and important figures, including the Pope on his recent visit.
The public tours will include the gardens, visitor centre, exhibition and all public spaces.
The building will be open every day from 10am to 8pm, and tickets for the full tour cost Dhs60 for adults and Dhs30 for children.
You can also get a garden-only ticket for Dhs25 for adults and Dhs12 for children.
For more information and to buy tickets visit www.qasralwatan.ae.
Dhs60 (adults), Dhs30 (children). Daily 10am-8pm. Qasr Al Watan, Al Ras Al Akhdar, www.qasralwatan.ae.
