Qasr Al Hosn
In a city like Abu Dhabi, where things are always changing, there are some areas where time seems to stand still. One of them is Qasr al-Hosn. The city's oldest existing structure is a towering figure surrounded by Abu Dhabi's gleaming cityscape, which is a wonderful contrast of the past and present when seen in person.
The royal family used to live in Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, which was established in the 1790s. The building also housed the National Consultative Council, which was established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder. Walking into the Al Hosn fort, which was converted into a museum in 2018 after a decade of extensive conservation and highly careful repair work, is like entering a time capsule.
The Inner Fort, erected in 1795, and the Outer Palace, completed between 1939 and 1945, are the first prominent buildings you will encounter upon arriving. Gently raise your head and gaze up at the original watchtower. While Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village, Qasr Al Hosn guarded the coastal trade routes and defended the island's burgeoning community. Going around all of Qasr Al Hosn's areas is a lovely experience that makes you want to stay longer. You can easily spend a few hours learning about the fascinating history of the UAE capital or viewing artifacts and historical records dating back 6,000 years. And as for children, exploring the nooks and crannies of this ancient structure is sure to give them a sense of adventure and excellent material for storytime!
Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street at the westside of town near the beach in Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
Activities
- Enjoy its historic architecture
- Learn about the UAE’s history and culture.
Opening Hours
- Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Fridays: 2 pm to 7 pm.
Prices
- Ticket price is AED 30 for adults; below 18 years old has free entry.
Transportation
- The closest bus route is the one that starts from Khalifa University and reaches Zayed 1st Street/Khaled Bin Al Waleed Street, which is a 4-minute walk to Qasr Al Hosn.
Phone: +971 (0)2 697 6400
Email: info@qasralhosn.ae
Website: https://qasralhosn.ae/
