Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket

Overview

Qasr Al Watan is a working presidential palace that opened its doors to the public in 2019, and that is what separates it from a museum: these are the rooms where the UAE receives heads of state and holds its councils, not a reconstruction of them. The Great Hall stands beneath a dome 37 metres across, finished in white marble, mother-of-pearl and gold leaf, with a chandelier at its centre weighing several tonnes. The House of Knowledge holds manuscripts and rare volumes tracing Arab contributions to astronomy, mathematics and medicine. Other rooms open onto the presidential library, the council chamber and a gallery of state gifts. In the evening a light-and-sound show is projected onto the palace facade, telling the country's story across the building itself. Allow around ninety minutes to two hours. The palace is air-conditioned throughout; dress is smart casual, with shoulders and knees covered.

Important Information

What's included?

Entry or admission fee

Entry to Qasr Al Watan, the working presidential palace in Abu Dhabi

Access to the Great Hall beneath its 37-metre dome

Access to the House of Knowledge, holding manuscripts and rare volumes

Exclusions

Parking fees
Food and drinks
Wifi

Personal Expenses

Please Note

Dress code
Wheelchair accessible
Limited mobility accessible

This is a working presidential palace, and dress is enforced at the door: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, no sleeveless tops, shorts or torn clothing. Smart casual is the safe standard. Allow around 90 minutes to two hours to see the Great Hall, the House of Knowledge and the presidential library without rushing. The palace is in the Ras Al Akhdar district of Abu Dhabi, roughly 90 minutes' drive from Dubai, so plan travel time if you are coming for the day. The building is fully air-conditioned, level and accessible, with lifts and wheelchair access throughout. Photography is permitted in the public rooms. The evening light-and-sound show on the palace facade runs at a set time after sunset and may require its own admission - check when you book if you want to see it.