Qasr Al Watan, “the palace of the nation”, stands within the presidential compound at the western end of the Corniche. It is a working palace used for state visits and meetings of the federal cabinet and supreme council, and its public halls have been open to visitors since March 2019.
It is, above all, a showcase of craftsmanship: white granite and limestone outside, and inside a Great Hall under one of the largest domes in the Gulf, covered in geometric pattern in white, blue and gold.
What to see and do: Qasr Al Watan
The Great Hall
The central hall is the reason to come — stand in the middle and look up.
House of Knowledge and the library
Displays of manuscripts and early maps, and a library open to researchers.
Presidential gifts
A gallery of diplomatic gifts received from other countries.
The evening light show
A projection show on the facade has run on set evenings; check whether it is on during your visit.
How to get there: Qasr Al Watan
- By taxi: about 10 minutes from the Corniche hotels. Visitors are taken from the gate to the palace by shuttle bus.
- By tour: several city tours pair it with the Grand Mosque.
Insider tips
- Tickets were around AED 65 for adults when we checked.
- The palace can close at short notice for official events — look at the official site on the day.
- Dress respectfully; security screening applies.
- Late afternoon gives the best light on the facade.
Tours & tickets that fit: Qasr Al Watan
These well-rated experiences pair best with Qasr Al Watan:
Ticket from €16 Abu Dhabi: Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entry Ticket
Entry to the working presidential palace opened to the public in 2019. The Great Hall alone is worth the ticket. It is close to the Corniche, so it fits neatly into the morning of an evening safari.
- The Great Hall and its vast dome
- Library and exhibitions of manuscripts and gifts
- Palace gardens
City tour from €67 From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Towers Tour
The top-rated city tour to pair with a safari: the Grand Mosque, a palace visit and a skyline view from the Etihad Towers in one half-day. Check the listing for the exact stops and which entry tickets are included. Do it on the morning of an evening safari, or the day after.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with a guide
- A royal palace stop
- Etihad Towers viewpoint
