Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reopens Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi

Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn

In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said Qasr Al Hosn will be a place to showcase and recall the country's inspiring stories of old as he re-opened Abu Dhabi's historic landmark.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, toured the site on Wednesday night.

"We are inspired by the values of the grandfathers and founders, and we recall their inspiring stories and convey their heritage, culture, values and civilisation to future generations," he said.

The site which has been closed by more than a decade was renovated by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. It included four connected areas:

The Al Hosn Palace
The National Consultative Council
The Cultural Foundation
The House of Artisans

Qasr Al Hosn is located in the centre of the city of Abu Dhabi, transformed from a centre of fishing and pearl fishing to one of the world’s modern international cities.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that the area showcases Abu Dhabi’s ancient history, as the fathers and grandfathers built the landmark with determination while pointing out that through their cohesion and solidarity, and due to their sacrifices, everyone is now living in a modern country that has a prestigious stature among nations.

Qasr Al Hosn will celebrate its re-opening with a week-long schedule of events. Free tours, events and musical performances will bring the site’s history to life and offer visitors a glimpse into the story of Abu Dhabi and its people.

First look around Qasr Al Hosn

Your guide to Qasr Al Hosn's opening week of festivities

Qasr Al Hosn opens to the public this weekend with a full line-up of celebrations.

It will be open from Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm and on the weekends from 10am to 11pm.

The area is open on all sides to pedestrians, embedding it in the urban footprint of the city.

[ Read more ]

Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest building on Abu Dhabi Island. Reem Mohammed / The National

Take a look: The first glimpse of the newly renovated Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn is the ancestral home of the Al Nahyan and the oldest building on Abu Dhabi Island. All photos by Reem Mohammed

Officials gather near the entrance.

A flag pole is silhouetted by the sun.

An image of Sheikh Shakbout is inside the fortress.

The fort is shown with some of Abu Dhabi's taller buildings in the background.

A visitor wanders around the site.

The fort has been completely rejuvenated.

A visitor wanders around the site.

The site is intended to be a gathering place for the community.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed , Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed , Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Sheikh Issa bin Zayed; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court; Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, ZHO, and Sheikh Diab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of the Department of Transport.

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Qasr Al Hosn: the historic Abu Dhabi landmark will reopen after a decade on December 7

Qasr Al Hosn promotional video unveiled by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Updated: December 06, 2018, 8:33 AM