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

Visitors to the palace can explore the history, traditions and culture of the UAE using pre-recorded audio

The great hall at Qasr Al Watan, or Palace of the Nation, which opened its doors to the public in March 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, announced the building based in the palace compound is open for visitors to take part in tours. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The decision to create the new cultural landmark, he said, came from the President Sheikh Khalifa in a bid to boost cultural understanding of the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Qasr Al Watan is a building inside the compound of the Presidential Palace, which houses the formal offices of the UAE's President and Vice President and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Presidential Palace is the official meeting place for the UAE Cabinet and the Federal Supreme Council - the highest constitutional authority in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A palace and garden ticket, which gives you access to all public spaces, inside and out, costs Dh60 for an adult and Dh30 for children aged four to 17 years. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sculpture Santos looks at The Power of Words. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A Hermle Clock from Kazakhstan that sits in the presidential gifts room of Qasr Al Watan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The presidential banquet hall. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A sculpture of a horse from Turkmenistan in the presidential gifts room. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An early Arabic papyrus, from the palace's "house of knowledge". Chris Whiteoak / The National

Samurai armour from Japan, another gift to the UAE president. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Standard guided English or Arabic tours, directed by a tour guide, run every 30 minutes and cost Dh30 per visitor. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visitors are able to see examples of Arabian craftsmanship and art and are able to create traditional calligraphy on interactive screens, as well as explore centuries of knowledge in books focusing on the UAE in the Qasr Al Watan library. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Al Kashool in the house of knowledge. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visitors will also gain a deeper understanding about the rulers and institutions of the country. Chris Whiteoak / The National

There are two gift shops – one in the visitor centre and one in the main palace building, selling “exquisitely crafted gifts” and souvenirs inspired by Qasr Al Watan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

To enhance the visitor experience at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan, self-guided tours have been made available in English, Arabic, German, Russian and Chinese.

Visitors can rent a multimedia guide and headset at the palace’s ticketing booth, and then take it with them as they navigate the site. They will be able to listen to pre-recorded audio clips in their language of choice as they are guided on an interactive cultural journey.

Located in Abu Dhabi’s presidential palace compound, Qasr Al Watan, or the Palace of the Nation, offers an opportunity to explore the history, traditions and journey of the UAE, through a vast collection of cultural artefacts, art and rare manuscripts.

Inside Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy Victor Besa/The National

The palace is divided into a series of zones, including the Great Hall, remarkable for its grand central dome, archways, ornamentation and mosaic patterns, which are a testament to Arabian craftsmanship and artistry.

A zone dedicated to presidential gifts is a marker of the goodwill shared by the UAE and the world, and allows visitors to get up close to some of the most cherished diplomatic gifts received by the UAE. Visitors can also learn about the cultural considerations and protocols that are involved in selecting diplomatic gifts.

Meanwhile, in the presidential banquet zone, where officials from around the world are treated to a taste of Emirati hospitality, visitors can learn about the customs, protocols and cuisine served, and see the silver, crystal and china used by dignitaries.

In 2020, Qasr Al Watan was recognised by the Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council as the Best Unique Visitor Attraction, and was also named Middle East's Leading Cultural Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards.

Qasr Al Watan is open on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am-6pm, and from Thursday to Saturday, 12pm-7.30pm.

Tickets can be bought online at www.qasralwatan.ae.