• Opened to the public in March 2019, Qasr Al Watan, or Palace of the Nation, sits within the Presidential Palace complex in Abu Dhabi. The Great Hall is one of the UAE's architectural marvels and exemplifies Arabian arts and craftsmanship. All photos: Qasr Al Watan
    Opened to the public in March 2019, Qasr Al Watan, or Palace of the Nation, sits within the Presidential Palace complex in Abu Dhabi. The Great Hall is one of the UAE's architectural marvels and exemplifies Arabian arts and craftsmanship. All photos: Qasr Al Watan
  • Colours play a major role in the Great Hall and Qasr Al Watan. Blue represents the waters of the Arabian Gulf, yellow is the sands of Arabia, and white symbolises purity and peace.
    Colours play a major role in the Great Hall and Qasr Al Watan. Blue represents the waters of the Arabian Gulf, yellow is the sands of Arabia, and white symbolises purity and peace.
  • A ceiling at the Great Hall in Qasr Al Watan and a chandelier made of more than 300,000 pieces of crystal. The decision to create a cultural landmark came from President Sheikh Khalifa in an effort to improve cultural understanding of the UAE.
    A ceiling at the Great Hall in Qasr Al Watan and a chandelier made of more than 300,000 pieces of crystal. The decision to create a cultural landmark came from President Sheikh Khalifa in an effort to improve cultural understanding of the UAE.
  • Blue, yellow and white in play at the Great Hall in Qasr Al Watan. The Presidential Palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, where visitors can read books and explore resources on the UAE’s political, social and cultural history.
    Blue, yellow and white in play at the Great Hall in Qasr Al Watan. The Presidential Palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, where visitors can read books and explore resources on the UAE’s political, social and cultural history.
  • Visitors to the Great Hall will find a bookmark matched technique, where mirror-image marble slabs are placed side-by-side, reflecting the original design on the other side in perfect symmetry.
    Visitors to the Great Hall will find a bookmark matched technique, where mirror-image marble slabs are placed side-by-side, reflecting the original design on the other side in perfect symmetry.
  • Qasr Al Watan and the Great Hall win admirers from around the world. In 2020, Qasr Al Watan was recognised by Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council as the best unique visitor attraction and named the Middle East's leading cultural tourist attraction by the World Travel Awards.
    Qasr Al Watan and the Great Hall win admirers from around the world. In 2020, Qasr Al Watan was recognised by Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council as the best unique visitor attraction and named the Middle East's leading cultural tourist attraction by the World Travel Awards.
  • Archways demonstrate the artistic themes that run throughout the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan.
    Archways demonstrate the artistic themes that run throughout the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan.
  • Visitors to the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan are treated to spectacle wherever they look.
    Visitors to the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan are treated to spectacle wherever they look.
  • The marvel of the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan.
    The marvel of the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan.
  • The marvel of the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan.
    The marvel of the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan.
  • The Central Dome in the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan is 37 metres in diameter. These structures date back to a pre-Islamic era.
    The Central Dome in the Great Hall at Qasr Al Watan is 37 metres in diameter. These structures date back to a pre-Islamic era.

Gulf

The spectacular architectural detail of Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi - in pictures

Visitors to the Presidential Palace can see the impressive craftsmanship and artistry

The National

June 29, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

More galleries from The National:

Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Watan launches self-guided tours in five languages

Qasr Al Watan: visitors return to Abu Dhabi's Presidential Palace

Qasr Al Watan: Inside the Presidential Palace's magnificent library

Dubai's very own superheroes support low-income workers - in pictures

How you make ice in the UAE desert - in pictures

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