Qasr al-Hosn, Historical fort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Qasr al-Hosn is a fortified residence in Abu Dhabi featuring a central watchtower surrounded by thick defensive walls, interior courtyards, and traditional Emirati building design. The whitewashed structures showcase the architectural style that was common in this region centuries ago.
The structure was built in 1761 as a watchtower to protect Abu Dhabi's only source of fresh water at the time. It gradually expanded over the decades into a larger fortification and the residence of the ruling family.
The House of Artisans displays traditional Emirati crafts made from local materials, including weaving, metalwork, and pottery. You can watch how these skills have been passed down through generations and remain part of daily creative practice.
You can explore the exhibition halls, fort chambers, and courtyards on your own or join guided tours offered throughout the day in multiple languages. The site is easily accessible and suitable for walking at your own pace, with plenty of space to move around.
The fort walls were built using coral stones and shells bound together with lime mortar, showcasing traditional coastal building techniques from the region. This unusual material choice reflects how earlier residents made use of what nature provided nearby.
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