UAE Presidential Palace, Presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Qasr Al Watan is a government building in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, clad in white granite and limestone. The central dome of gilded metal rises above a chandelier holding more than 350,000 crystal pieces in the main hall.
Construction of the complex ended in 2017 as part of the official residence for state affairs. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan decided in 2019 to open portions of the grounds to the public.
The House of Knowledge in the east wing displays cases filled with state gifts from around the world alongside handwritten Quran manuscripts and traditional silver jewelry. The exhibition rooms connect ceremonial objects with everyday items from Emirati history.
The entrance sits at the western end of the grounds with a visitor center in front. Early morning hours on weekdays are usually less crowded than weekend afternoons.
The Spirit of Collaboration room inside hosts cabinet meetings with a circular table arrangement where every seat sits equally distant from the center point. This room was deliberately designed so that no hierarchical seating arrangement emerges.
Location: Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Inception: 2015
Website: https://qasralwatan.ae
GPS coordinates: 24.46225,54.30551
Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:34
The United Arab Emirates feature an architectural landscape where modern structures coexist with historical remnants. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa rises to 828 meters and is the tallest skyscraper in the world, while the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah demonstrates the country’s coastal engineering skills. In Abu Dhabi, the five Etihad Towers line the waterfront, and the Qasr Al Hosn, built in the 18th century, is the capital’s oldest stone building. These modern achievements sit on land that also preserves ancient traces, such as the tombs of Jebel Hafeet carved into the rock more than 5,000 years ago. Cultural and religious buildings round out this overview. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque covers over 22,000 square meters and invites visitors to explore its architecture and prayer halls. The Louvre Abu Dhabi displays international collections beneath a metal dome designed by Jean Nouvel, creating distinctive light effects inside. In Ajman, the local museum is housed in a restored 18th-century fortress, while the Dubai Opera takes the shape of a dhow, a traditional regional boat. These sites offer varied perspectives on the architectural development of the Emirates and merit thorough exploration.
The United Arab Emirates feature contemporary architectural achievements and monuments that reflect their heritage. Over a few decades, the country has developed infrastructures attracting millions of visitors: glass and steel towers redefining city skylines, international museums showcasing collections from various eras, custom-made islands spread across the Persian Gulf. Alongside these recent constructions, stone forts and mosques serve as reminders of the region's history and traditions.
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