Qasr Al Hosn

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Qasr Al Hosn

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Discover the ancestral home of the Al Nahyan Family at this national landmark in Abu Dhabi.

Over the centuries, Qasr Al Hosn has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council and a national archive. It now stands as the nation’s living memorial and the narrator of Abu Dhabi's history. Qasr Al Hosn is part of a larger historic complex that also includes the National Consultative Council building and the Cultural Foundation.

History

Qasr Al Hosn is the most significant and oldest building in Abu Dhabi, holding the city's first permanent structure, the watchtower. Built in 1790, the commanding structure overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing settlement established on the island. Qasr Al Hosn comprises two major buildings: the Inner Fort (originally constructed in 1795) and the Outer Palace (1939-45). Transformed into a museum in 2018 following more than 11 years of intensive conservation and restoration work, Qasr Al Hosn is a national monument in Abu Dhabi that encapsulates the development of the city from a settlement reliant on fishing and pearling in the 18th century, to a modern, global metropolis, with displays of artefacts and archival materials dating back to as far as 6000 BC.

Timeline

1761 – Today

1761-1795

1795-1850

1855-1909

1928-1966

1990-Present Day

1761-1795

The Origin of Abu Dhabi
The one constant witness of Abu Dhabi’s story, Qasr Al Hosn stands as a national monument that encapsulates the development of the city – from a settlement reliant on fishing and pearling in the 18th century, to a modern, global metropolis.

1795-1850

A Tower becomes a Fortress
It was not until 1795 that Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab officially relocated the seat of power from Liwa to Abu Dhabi island.

1855-1909

A Community Takes Shape
The long reign of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa was a period of peace and stability for the city of Abu Dhabi.

1855-1909

The Fort Expands
Due to global tensions and the invention of cultured pearls in Japan, the region’s economy was dealt a heavy blow. Eventually, through Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s persistence and wisdom, Abu Dhabi’s economy recovered, and its status as the most powerful of the coastal states was reaffirmed.

1928-1966

Today’s Qasr Al Hosn Emerges
When the Father of our Nation came into power, he distributed the city’s land ownership and wealth between Emirati citizens.