Qasr Al Watan | Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates

QASR AL WATAN 

ABU DHABI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Oh! Hello there! 😃

I'm back again for another travel blog. I've been looking forward to visiting this place for a long time and finally, I made it. This is Qasr Al Watan situated at the heart of Abu Dhabi, A few kilometers away from Emirates Palace. If you are visiting Abu Dhabi, here is the best thing to see in the city. 

What is Qasr Al Watan?

- or simply "Palace of the Nation", It is the meeting place for official state visits or where global leaders are hosted. This year, Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi and a specific event was held at this location.

How to get there?

- If you are a tourist and trying to avoid the scorching weather, you better ride a taxi and tell them that you are heading out to Qasr Al Watan, they know it already, or if you are an expat. Ride a bus number 34. For more details about the bus timings, you can check this link for more info.

How much is the cost of the entrance?

• Palace and Garden Ticket 

This includes all access to in and out of the public spaces

An adult will cost 60 dirhams and 30 dirhams for children 4 to 17 years old, while 4 years old below is free of charge.

• Garden Ticket

This ticket can give you access to the grounds and visitor center.

An adult will cost 25 dirhams while children cost 12 dirhams, and 4 years old and below are free of charge as well.

Facts about Qasr Al Watan: 

I research about Qasr Al Watan, and here's what I found :

• The size of the area is the 380k equivalent of 53 football fields.
• It comes with 3 wings. Dedicated to the President, Vice President, and the Crown Prince.
• It is not a residence thus only a working palace.
• No one lives here.
• Inspired by Arabian Gulf architecture.
• The main dome is the largest in the world that comes with 37 in diameter.
• The facade consists of white granite limestone that was built to last 100 years.
• White symbol of purity thus the palace itself.
• The finish stones sun glare to stand out.
• The Arch colonnades are based on "Liwa"- a large oasis area in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Why do you need to visit this magnificent place?

Traditions and more

If you want to learn more about the governing traditions, and values and explore a well-preserved legacy, knowledge, and more about cultural understanding, then you are in the right place.

Nation's progressive journey

Qasr Al Watan Library is open to everyone. Individuals who want to learn more about the Arab's contribution to various fields of knowledge. You can find a various collection of books and resources about the UAE and learn about the nation's progressive journey.

Cultivating a journey to see inside

 I was able to see all the halls that were typically reserved for the official summits. Some of the halls are fitted for dining along with beautiful chinawares to name a few. A dedicated hall that consists of gifts given by the other countries who visited the country can be found here as well. The Philippines, for example, gave a figurine of a carabao to the UAE. Other than that, a lot of beautiful gift collections from other nations can be found here. More likely a token of partnership and appreciation.

Parking lot

There's ample parking for visitors and the best of it? It is free! Though you might charge for valet service of 80dhs. It's optional anyway.

My journey starts here:

Since I'm staying in the city center, ample buses are available from my location. It's a bit far from my location, So I need to ride 2 buses. First, on bus number 11,  I dropped at the corniche walkway a few meters away from Emirates Palace, and then I had to cross to the stoplight.  A few meters away from the Emirates Palace, another bus stop shed is available, You can wait for bus number 34 that passes by inside the Qasr Al Watan. The bus will drop you off exactly in the same spot where the visitor center is located.

Entrance

 

 

I filled up an online form, after which, I paid 60 dirhams ( approximately $17.00). A directory guide and a small card that contains my information were provided.

Before entering the vicinity, I need to remove all any metal objects on my body, my belongings are kept on a tray that passes through an X-ray machine. This is their s.o.p for the safety of everyone.

Dates and Tea

 

 

Locals welcomed me with tea and dates. I'm not a fan of their local tea. The dates are tasty though.

Afterward, I went on the bus. The bus is comfy too, and so far the best colorful bus seats I've seen (lol). The bus usually leaves every 30 minutes. Lots of Chinese tourists were there. For some reason, the security personnel mistook me for a Chinese. 😂 I'm an Asian so they assume that I'm Chinese too. 😁

Inside the bus

 

It takes 10 mins from the visitor center to reach the palace. I highly suggest that if you visit the Palace, you should come around 5:00 PM, to avoid the scorching heat. Facts about the Palace can be overheard inside the bus. 

Here’s a glimpse of what is inside this prestigious architecture. 

Starting from the outside...

 

 

  And here we go inside...

Some of the halls are fitted for dining along with beautiful chinawares to name a few.

  

A dedicated hall that consists of gifts given by the other countries who visited the country can be found here as well. The Philippines, for example, gave a figurine of a carabao to the UAE. Other than that, a lot of beautiful gift collections from other nations can be found here.

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 Before leaving the palace, I went to the washroom to freshen up and look at what I found.

Where on earth you can find a gold bidet? Only here at Qasr Al Watan :)

And of course. There is a one-stop shop for souvenirs and a coffee shop.

look at the ceiling of the shop, fascinating is it?

Bonus...

Light Show at Qasr Al Watan

 

The cashier informed me about the light show that started at 8:30 PM.

Since I am free at this time, I opt to wait for the light show. So far the best light shows that I ever watched even the visitors clapped after the show.

Here's the video of the light show.

I also recorded a video of what's inside the palace.

Here's the link on YouTube.

Video 1

Video 2

After the show, Dozens of shuttle buses will pick up and drop you off back at the visitor's center.

And that's a wrap 😃

Is it worth to visit?

If you're a person who loves architecture and more on the historical side, then I highly recommend visiting this place. If you love to upload pictures on Snapchat or Instagram, this is the right place for you. Other than that, there are a lot of places to see in the City too. 

You have the option to book your tickets online by clicking this link or you can go straight to the palace. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted

And by the way, If you are planning to visit the city of Abu Dhabi or (Dubai perhaps), but have no idea where to go and where to start. I strongly suggest that you book via Klook by clicking this Link. Affordable tour package at reasonable prices, If you don't have any mobile data or prepaid pocket WiFi- it can provide you too. You can skip the queue upon paying the ticket by just presenting your QR code on your mobile app. It's very convenient. And those are the only few services among the hundreds that Klook can offer. Give it a try and see for yourself :)

Again, thank you for reading this travel blog. As usual, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this content.

Next travel blog again,

--Ceddy 😘