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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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