Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan stands on the western tip of Abu Dhabi island, at Al Ras Al Akhdar, inside the Presidential Palace compound and close to the Emirates Palace hotel. The name means Palace of the Nation. It is a working palace where the UAE Cabinet and the Federal Supreme Council hold official meetings and where state visits take place, and it opened to the public in March 2019.

The building was designed to present Arab and Islamic craftsmanship and to explain the history and governance of the UAE. Its white granite and limestone exterior is crowned by a central dome, and the main approach crosses large formal gardens.

Inside, the Great Hall sits beneath a dome about 37 metres across, decorated with geometric patterns and gold leaf, and leads to rooms used for official receptions. The Spirit of Collaboration hall is where the Federal Supreme Council and international summits meet. The House of Knowledge holds a library of books on Arab science, history and literature, alongside manuscripts and historical objects. Exhibition spaces show diplomatic gifts given to the UAE and items from the country's ruling families.

In the evening the Palace in Motion show projects light and sound across the west facade. A palace and garden ticket costs AED 65 for adults, with a combined ticket for the evening show.

Visitors are expected to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Security checks are carried out at the visitor centre, and shuttle buses take guests to the palace building.

East and West Wing halls and state gifts

The East Wing and West Wing halls lead off the Great Hall, and the gift halls display objects presented by visiting heads of state, from jewelled daggers to porcelain.