• Qasr Al Watan reopened for public tours on Tuesday. Tiago Freites, 2, an Abu Dhabi resident from Venezuela, is amazed by the work of Emirati artist, Mattar Bin Lahej. All photos Victor Besa / The National
    Qasr Al Watan reopened for public tours on Tuesday. Tiago Freites, 2, an Abu Dhabi resident from Venezuela, is amazed by the work of Emirati artist, Mattar Bin Lahej. All photos Victor Besa / The National
  • The Great Hall is the architectural heart of Qasr Al Watan.
    The Great Hall is the architectural heart of Qasr Al Watan.
  • Visitors take a photograph in front of an artwork by Mattar Bin Lahej.
    Visitors take a photograph in front of an artwork by Mattar Bin Lahej.
  • A family takes a souvenir photograph at Qasr Al Watan on the first day it reopened.
    A family takes a souvenir photograph at Qasr Al Watan on the first day it reopened.
  • Strict measures are in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.
    Strict measures are in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.
  • Tiago enjoys his visit to Qasr Al Watan.
    Tiago enjoys his visit to Qasr Al Watan.
  • Face masks are mandatory and visits must be booked in advance.
    Face masks are mandatory and visits must be booked in advance.
  • Qasr Al Watan first opened to the public in 2019.
    Qasr Al Watan first opened to the public in 2019.

Heritage

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

The architectural and cultural treasure closed in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic

The National

October 21, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Watan offers a rare glimpse inside a royal court.

The Presidential Palace's network of white domes, ornate buildings and gardens is where global leaders are feted.

But the cultural landmark is now welcoming the public once more.

The palace closed in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic but visitors can now cross its hallowed halls, while following safety rules.

Since it reopened on Tuesday, people have been enjoying the palace experience, as these photos taken by The National show.

The site is open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 6pm and Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 7.30pm.

the palace is closed on Mondays and its library is also shut for now.

People must book in advance. Masks are mandatory and visitors will have their temperatures checked before entering the site.

Places will be limited to ensure physical distancing.

Tickets cost Dh60 for adults and Dh30 for children aged 4 to 17.

Qasr Al Watan, in Ras Al Akhdar near Emirates Palace, first opened to the public in 2019.

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