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


Selina Denman
  • English
  • Arabic

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
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.

Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 571bhp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh431,800

Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 455bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: from Dh431,800

THE DEALS

Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m

Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m

Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m

Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m

Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m

TOTAL $485m

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

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Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed