Mukataa, Presidential palace in Ramallah, Palestine

The Mukataa is a government compound in Ramallah housing multiple buildings for administrative offices, meeting spaces, and official ceremonies. The complex is secured and serves as the central location where the Palestinian Authority conducts its state functions.

Built in the 1930s by British engineer Sir Charles Tegart, the Mukataa served as a military headquarters, law court and prison for about 400 inmates. After Britain left in May 1948, Jordan took over and used it as a prison and residence for Jordanian army officers. From the 1967 occupation it was the Israeli military headquarters until the Palestinian Authority took over in 1994; Arafat moved in in 1996.

The compound serves as the seat of Palestinian government, showing how the administration conducts its daily work and represents the state to the world. Walking through it gives you a sense of where key political decisions take place.

Visitors should expect security screenings and identity verification when entering the grounds. Access is generally restricted and requires advance permission for official events or meetings.

Arafat was buried inside the compound on 12 November 2004, not moved the next year: the plan was to transfer him later to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem once a Palestinian state existed. On 11 November 2007 a larger tomb clad in Jerusalem stone, designed by Palestinian architects, opened to the public, and its inscription states that Jerusalem is to be his final resting place if it comes under Palestinian control.