- Address: Zayed the First St, Al Hosn - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
- Tel: +971 800 124
- Website: visitabudhabi.ae
The United Arab Emirates is a fairly young state, rapidly developing in the last decades. Most of the buildings here are ultra-modern and incredibly high, but even on this land there is a place of history, the custodian of which is Qasr al-Hosn.
general information
Qasr al-Hosn is the oldest building in the UAE's capital Abu Dhabi , located along the main street named after Sheikh Zayd. The building was included in the Abu Dhabi cultural fund, it is called the "White Fort". Qasr al-Hosn means "fortress-palace", and it really is the citadel entering into the buildings of the royal palace. This building is one of the symbols of the UAE.
History of creation
Qasr al-Hosn was erected in 1761 by Sheikh Diyab bin Isa, and originally served as a watchtower with a usual protective function. After a while the son of Sheikh Shahbut bin Diyabom increased it to the size of a fort. And only since 1793 this relatively small building became the residence of the ruling sheikhs. Already in the 30-ies of the XX century on the means of oil concessions in Abu Dhabi fort was completed to the size of the fortress. Until the 60's, Qasr al-Hosn served as the seat of the government.
Architecture
The Royal Palace and the fortress of Qasr al-Hosn are a massive rectangular structure. At one corner, towers with jagged edges are built, in the other two they are rectangular. The towers are connected throughout the complex by uninterrupted structures, massive and strong. Due to this, it creates a closed and inability to penetrate into the courtyard. The fortress Qasr al-Hosn is built from a white stone, pearly in the sun. Around there are palm trees and luscious green lawns, which contrast perfectly with the white palace. Qasr al-Hosn even a bit like a medieval castle in Europe, not an eastern fortress.
What to see?
The fortress of Qasr al-Hosn is open to visitors not so long ago: the UAE government decided to access visitors only in 2007. It is interesting for visitors to see:
- architecture in Arabic style . The building stands out against the background of other buildings of the city. The facade and interior are decorated with a delightful mosaic that was recently restored;
- The interior of rooms and halls , which has been preserved in its original form. You can consider the exposition of the conference room, the president's office, rest rooms, etc .;
- A unique collection of exhibits telling about the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. It included various cultural objects, ancient weapons, rare and important documents;
- lookout tower : be sure to climb it to see all the surroundings of the city.
- Near Qasr al-Hosn is the Heritage Village , which preserves the memory of the way of life and traditions of the Arab people .
Qasr al-Hosn Festival
All exhibitions on historical themes are held within the framework of the festival on February 11. Passes the holiday of the Emirate's heritage and culture at the very walls of the fortress. The program of the festival:
- speech of the chairman of the department of culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi;
- theatrical performances;
- an exhibition dedicated to the birth of the city, the fleet;
- Expositions devoted to the occupations and lives of Bedouins, sailors, islanders and oases;
- fair of herbs and handicrafts.
Features of visit
The fortress Qasr al-Hosn is open for excursions all days of the week, except Friday. Visit time is from 7:30 to 14:30 and from 17:00 to 21:00. Free admission.
How to get there?
It is not difficult to reach the Qasr al-Hosn fortress, because it is located along the central street of Sheikh Zayd in Abu Dhabi . This is followed by bus routes №№ 005, 032, 054.