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.
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