One of the world's most extraordinary public buildings — Abu Dhabi's Presidential Palace opened its doors to visitors in 2019, revealing interiors of breathtaking Arabian grandeur.
Qasr Al Watan (Palace of the Nation) is the working Presidential Palace of the UAE, located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. In 2019, it became one of very few presidential palaces in the world to open its doors to the public — and the interior does not disappoint.
The centrepiece — a vast domed hall decorated with intricate geometric patterns in gold and ivory. The dome is 42m high. One of the most photographed interiors in the UAE.
A spectacular library housing rare manuscripts, maps, and historical documents about the UAE. The shelving and architectural details are extraordinary.
1km of manicured gardens around the palace with fountains, traditional plants, and the Corniche views. Lovely for an evening stroll.
Evening spectacular — the palace exterior used as a projection screen for an immersive light and sound show. Thu-Sat evenings, AED 80.
| Ticket Type | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission (Adult) | AED 60 | Palace + exhibition + gardens |
| General Admission (Child 3-12) | AED 30 | Palace + exhibition + gardens |
| Qasr Al Watan in Light | AED 80 adult / AED 45 child | Evening light show only |
| Under 3 years | Free | With paying adult |
Opening hours: 10am-8pm Sunday to Thursday, 2pm-10pm on Thursday for the light show, 10am-10pm on Friday and Saturday. The light show runs at 8:30pm and 9:30pm on Thursday-Saturday.
Dress code: Smart casual to formal required. No shorts, no sleeveless tops, no flip-flops. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Abayas available for loan at the entrance. The dress code is strictly enforced.
General admission costs AED 60 for adults and AED 30 for children (3-12 years). The Qasr Al Watan in Light evening show is AED 80 for adults and AED 45 for children. Book online at qasralwatan.ae for guaranteed entry — same-day tickets are usually available except on weekends.
The palace features the magnificent Great Hall with its 42m dome, the House of Knowledge (library with rare manuscripts), rotating cultural exhibitions, ceremonial halls used for state functions, and 1km of manicured grounds with Corniche views. It is genuinely one of the most extraordinary interiors in the world.
Qasr Al Watan in Light transforms the palace exterior into a projection screen for an immersive 30-minute light and sound show. It runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8:30pm and 9:30pm. Tickets cost AED 80 adults. Book ahead — it is popular and sells out on weekends.
Smart casual minimum — no shorts, no sleeveless tops, no flip-flops. Women should cover shoulders and knees. The dress code is actively enforced at the entrance. If you arrive underdressed, abayas (for women) are available for free loan at the palace entrance.
Qasr Al Watan is on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Taxi from Abu Dhabi city centre: AED 20-30 (10-15 minutes). From Dubai by car: 1.5 hours via E11, then follow Corniche signs. Free parking on site. No Metro in Abu Dhabi — taxis or Uber/Careem are the main options within the city.
Qasr Al Watan, Grand Mosque, Louvre — our experts build the perfect Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai or standalone itinerary.
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