Qasr Al-Hosn (Abu Dhabi)
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Qasr Al-Hosn (Abu Dhabi) - by Peturrunar (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
Qasr al-Hosn (meaning "Palace Fort") is Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building. A watchtower was built in 1761 to defend the only freshwater well on the island and the structure was developed into a fort in 1793 by the ruler of the Al Nahyan family. A major expansion was carried out in the 1930's to turn it into the emir's palace, financed by revenues from oil licensing. The museum displays picture and artefacts narrating the history of the emirate and of the Al Nahyan family. Every year there is a 11-day cultural event taking place on the grounds of Qasr al-Hosn.
Access & Transport
The fort is located between Al Naser street, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. This is quite near the north-western shore of Abu Dhabi main island. Bus 40 stops opposite on Al Hisn St and buses 5, 33, 65 stop on Hamdan St.
Instructions & Recommendations
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Environmental & Social
No environmental data is available - the main footprint relates to electricity (lighting and air conditioning). The museum helps preserve the emirate's cultural and architectural heritage
Conclusion
The Qasr Al Hosn is a must-visit for any first-time visitor whose focus is not solely on shopping and theme parks. It is the best place to get a sense of the emirate's economic rise since the mid-20th century and how the traditional way of life has changed. There is nothing breath-taking to see but it does provide the necessary framework to observe the city with the proper referential and context.
Key positive
Best venue to learn about Abu Dhabi's past
Free for children
Key negative
Interesting but nothing impressive
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday09:00 - 20:00
Tuesday09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday09:00 - 20:00
Thursday09:00 - 20:00
Friday14:00 - 20:00
Saturday09:00 - 20:00
Sunday09:00 - 20:00