Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip
US President Donald Trump is to receive a royal welcome at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday as he embarks on the final leg of a milestone Gulf tour.
Mr Trump will be the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by President Sheikh Mohamed at the palace of the nation in another high-profile engagement during a busy itinerary that has taken in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and will conclude in the Emirates.
During Mr Trump's visit - his biggest overseas trip since returning to the White House - US ties with the region have been strengthened, with important steps made towards bolstering peace and stability, and big-money deals being struck.
Qasr Al Watan is only one part of the sprawling Presidential Palace compound in Ras Al Akhdar that was handed over by contractors in 2015 and finished in 2017.
The palace houses the formal offices of the President, the Vice President and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Parts of the spectacular building were opened to the public in 2019, giving citizens and residents a glimpse into the famous halls in which many world leaders have set foot.
Architectural marvel
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 lavish grounds feature a labyrinth of white domes, ornate buildings and gardens. The crown jewel is the Great Hall, the architectural heart of Qasr Al Watan. It measures 100 metres by 100 metres and its huge 37m diameter dome is even larger than the main dome of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The hall’s broader architectural style has flickers of Mughal-era design but also incorporates classic local motifs such as the arch, dome and ornate tile-work. At each corner of the Great Hall stands a mirrored cubes.
The vast palace also features a room dedicated to displaying presidential gifts given to the UAE by countries across the globe. Carpets from Turkmenistan, an ornate sword and shield from Kazakhstan, armour from Japan and a beautiful khanjar from Oman all bring colour to the dry world of diplomacy.
Al Barza majlis is another glittering centrepiece of the palace. The Emirati majlis is a place of gathering and council that can hold up to 300 guests and is decorated with impressive chandeliers and golden finishes.
A fully prepared banquet hall serves as a celebration of Emirati hospitality. Plates are hand-painted, the food reflects the country where the host comes from, while tables at the front are half empty so guests do not turn their backs on the hosts.
A popular meal served at these functions is quzi – an entire lamb sitting on a bed of rice.
Visitors can also explore a huge public library with a collection spanning at least 40,000 books in both Arabic and English. People can access this free of charge when they join the emirate's library service.
Welcoming global leaders
Qasr Al Watan has hosted a number of global leaders during state visits to the Emirates.
World renowned guests include Chinese President Xi Jinping, the late Pope Francis during his milestone tour of the UAE in 2019, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
It also regularly stages meetings of the UAE Cabinet and other government gatherings and official ceremonies throughout the year.
Trump's Gulf tour - in pictures
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US President Donald Trump signs a football with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim and Fifa President Gianni Infantino at Lusail Palace in Doha. AP -
Mr Trump with Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, and his wife, Sheikha Jawahir, before a state dinner at Lusail Palace. Getty Images -
Mr Trump, Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawahir with guests before the state dinner at Lusail Palace. AP -
Elon Musk arrives at Lusail Palace. AP -
Sheikh Tamim welcomes Mr Trump at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar. AP -
Sheikh Tamim with Mr Trump in Doha. AFP -
Mr Trump holds up a pen given by Sheikh Tamim as they exchange documents during a signing ceremony at the Amiri Diwan. AP -
Qatari Air Force F-15s escort Air Force One carrying Mr Trump, as it prepares to land in Doha. AFP -
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, are among GCC leadership at a meeting with Mr Trump. Reuters -
Mr Trump with GCC leaders. Getty Images -
Mr Trump speaks at the summit. Reuters -
Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara, left, shakes hands with Mr Trump. AP -
Prince Mohammed, right, shake hands with Mr Al Shara, as Mr Trump looks on. AP -
The Saudi Crown Prince and Mr Trump view a model of a new city in Saudi Arabia. AP -
Elon Musk and Yasir bin Othman Al Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, view an exhibit in Saudi Arabia's old district of Diriyah. Getty Images -
Prince Mohammed and Mr Trump at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh. Reuters -
Mr Trump speaks at the forum, held during his official visit to the Gulf region. Reuters -
Billionaire Elon Musk takes part in a panel at the Saudi-US Investment Forum. EPA -
Prince Mohammed and Mr Trump during a signing ceremony in Riyadh. Getty Images -
Mr Trump greets Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US. AP -
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman waits to meet Prince Mohammed in the Saudi capital. AFP -
Prince Mohammed alongside Mr Trump during an arrival ceremony at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh. Reuters -
Prince Mohammed walks alongside Mr Trump. Reuters -
The Saudi Crown Prince and Mr Trump sit down for coffee. AFP
