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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
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.
1990-Present Day
Conserving a National Monument
The discovery of corrosive moisture trapped within the walls of Qasr Al Hosn put a conservation plan into action.

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Location Details

ADDRESS
Qasr Al Hosn,
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al
Maktoum Street.

CONTACT INFORMATION
+971 2 6976400
info@qasralhosn.ae

Website
VISIT WEBSITE

OPENING HOURS
Sunday – Thursday
9 AM – 7PM

Ramadan Operating Hours:
Building: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 7 days a week. First – Last day of Ramadan
F&B (Ramadan Nights):  8:00 PM – 1:00 AM weekdays / 2:00 AM weekends (20 Feb – 22 Mar)
Retail (Ramadan Nights): 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM weekdays / 2:00 AM weekends (27 Feb – 22 Mar)

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