{"id":1098,"date":"2023-12-18T09:32:56","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T09:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arabfirstnew.ticyt-demo.in\/?p=1098"},"modified":"2023-12-18T09:32:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T09:32:56","slug":"tourist-places-in-abu-dhabi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arabfirst.ae\/index.php\/2023\/12\/18\/tourist-places-in-abu-dhabi\/","title":{"rendered":"Tourist places in Abu Dhabi"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tourist Destinations in Abu Dhabi<\/h3>\n
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Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)<\/b>
\nQasr Al Watan is an incredible, new and unique landmark in the United Arab Emirates. A Palace brimming with knowledge, offering the world a first-of-its-kind insight into the Arab heritage and the governing principles that shaped the history of the United Arab Emirates and its vision to the future.<\/p>\n

Qasr Al Watan is more than just a palace, it is an enriching journey in a contemporary setting that reveals and reflects on governance, knowledge and craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

The Palace offers you a unique opportunity to marvel at majestic hallways that is sure to leave you with a meaningful experience, explore exhibitions that celebrate the region\u2019s rich Arabic heritage and learn more about the rulers and governing institutions that shaped our great nation. You will also gain a deeper appreciation of the innovations that will drive the country\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

Directions from Dubai to\u00a0<\/b>Presidential Palace (1Hours 22 minutes drive)<\/b>
\nFrom Dubai on the E11 Highway (Sheikh Zayed Road):
\nTake Sheikh Zayed Road south, heading towards Abu Dhabi<\/p>\n

Follow E11 and Abu Dhabi \u2013 Keep left at the fork to continue on Abu Dhabi – Al Shahama Rd\/Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St\/E10<\/p>\n

Take the exit toward Abu Dhabi – Al Falah Rd\/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy\/E12
\nKeep left and merge onto Abu Dhabi – Al Falah Rd\/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy\/E12<\/p>\n

Turn right onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy, then merge onto 1st St<\/p>\n

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit, turn right, then turn right until you reach your destination.<\/p>\n

Qasr Al Watan is now open 7 days a week from 10:00am – 8:00pm.<\/p>\n

There are ample parking spaces available and there is no charge to park here.<\/p>\n

Valet parking:\u00a0<\/b>Yes, valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge of AED 80. It is available from 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week.<\/p>\n

Visitors must find their own transport to\/from Qasr Al Watan.<\/p>\n

Tickets<\/b>\u00a0can be purchased\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or on-site directly at the ticketing booth. Please see the Tickets section of the website for more information.<\/p>\n

You will receive your ticket(s) via email. You can print these out and bring them with you or you can download the ticket(s) onto your phone. You will need to show this to gain entry into the Palace or its grounds.<\/p>\n

You can upgrade your ticket for a small fee once you are inside the Park. Make your way to the Palace entrance to upgrade your ticket at the ticket counter:<\/p>\n

Adults:\u00a0Dh35<\/b>
\nChildren (under 17):\u00a0Dh17.50<\/b><\/p>\n

Guided Tour:<\/b>\u00a0Yes, there are tours every day for individuals and groups.<\/p>\n

People of determination:\u00a0<\/b>Qasr Al Watan provides wheelchairs for people of determination and elderly visitors. People of determination receive complimentary access plus one companion.<\/p>\n

Prayer room:<\/b>\u00a0There are prayer rooms available for both men and women at the Visitor Centre and the Ceremonial Gate.<\/p>\n

Wi-Fi:\u00a0<\/b>There is no Wi-Fi available throughout the Palace grounds.<\/p>\n

Photography:<\/b>Yes, non-commercial photography and filming are encouraged.<\/p>\n

Mobile phones:\u00a0<\/b>Yes, in consideration for other visitors, mobile phones must be switched to silent.<\/p>\n

Food and Drink:<\/b>\u00a0Food and beverages are available for purchase from 5 locations. Only food and beverages that have been purchased on site are allowed to be consumed (except water and baby food). Please see the Visitor Information section of the website for more information.<\/p>\n

Smoking:<\/b>\u00a0Yes, a designated smoking area is located outside the Visitor Centre.<\/p>\n

Pets:\u00a0<\/b>Pets or animals are not allowed in the Palace or the Palace grounds.<\/p>\n

For assistance, you can call our Contact Centre on (+971) 600 544 442\u00a0 or email\u00a0contact@qasralwatan.ae<\/a>. The opening hours for the Contact Centre are 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days a week.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the best things to see<\/b>
\nQasr Al Watan is no mere tourist attraction, it\u2019s a working Palace, home to the UAE Supreme Council and Federal Cabinet. It hosts state visits and official summits and is steeped in the nation\u2019s history and culture. It\u2019s the perfect place to learn more about the UAE\u2019s rich heritage.<\/p>\n

So what can visitors expect when they cross the threshold of this white edifice for the first time? Here are some of must-see sights for guests to enjoy and all are contained within the Qasr Al Watan site:<\/p>\n

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE<\/b>
\nQasr Al Watan is a contemporary palace built in traditional Arabian style. It features a high level of artistry and craftsmanship in its features, in a tribute to the region\u2019s Arabian heritage. Such an ornate level of detailing does not come quickly.<\/p>\n

The facade of the Palace is constructed from granite and limestone built to last hundreds of years. Its white colouring was chosen to symbolise peace and purity while reflecting Gulf traditions of light-coloured buildings to reflect heat.<\/p>\n

Each of the Palace doors took 350 hours to make and is constructed from solid maple, with hard-carved designs detailed in 23-carat gold.<\/p>\n

More than 5,000 geometric and floral patterns adorn palace surfaces, each of them unique to Qasr Al Watan, while inspired by traditional Arab iconography.<\/p>\n

THE GREAT HALL<\/b>
\nThe star of the show is undoubtedly the Great Hall, the architectural heart of Qasr Al Watan. Measuring 100 metres long by 100 metres wide, its main dome is one of the largest in the world, with a diameter of 37 metres. It houses four art installations, mirrored cubes that reflect the room\u2019s intricate design detailing.<\/p>\n

THE BARZA<\/b>
\nThe \u2018Al Barza\u2019 majlis is the largest room in Qasr Al Watan after The Great Hall, and can hold up to 300 guests. A majlis is used to formally welcome guests in the Emirati tradition that ensures leaders govern with the consensus of their people. Don\u2019t miss the 5-minute multimedia show on the history of the majlis and the UAE.<\/p>\n

SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION HALL<\/b>
\nThe \u2018Spirit of Collaboration\u2019 room was designed to host meetings of the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Here you can gain a deeper appreciation of the UAE\u2019s rulers and governing traditions that shaped the Emirates.<\/p>\n

HOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE<\/b>
\nThe \u2018House of Knowledge\u2019 is located in the east wing, where you can explore the palace\u2019s vast selection of rare artefacts and manuscripts. They have been curated to document the Arab world\u2019s contributions to various fields including science, arts, humanities and literature. In honour of the 2019 UAE Year of Tolerance, three holy books \u2013 the Holy Quran, the Holy Bible and the book of David\u2019s Psalms are displayed together as a symbol of peaceful co-existence.<\/p>\n

PRESIDENTIAL GIFTS<\/b>
\nThis room showcases part of the collection of diplomatic gifts the UAE has received from foreign dignitaries during state visits. Don\u2019t miss the carpets from Turkmenistan, an ornate sword and shield from Kazakhstan, among others.<\/p>\n

BANQUET HALL<\/b>
\nThe \u2018Presidential Banquet\u2019 hall hosts official occasions extending Emirati hospitality to representatives of close nations and allies. It contains 149,000 pieces of silver, crystal and china that were made especially for the palace.
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\n<\/b>THE LIBRARY<\/b>
\nThe \u2018Qasr Al Watan Library\u2019 houses an impressive collection of more than 40,000 titles, documenting the nation\u2019s history, focusing on archaeology, history, culture, literature and the arts. A digital collection of more than 16 million items is also available. Visitors can access the library free of charge through a separate entrance upon registration at the Visitor Centre.<\/p>\n

LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW<\/b>
\nIf you are able to time your visit to be there at 7:30pm, you will have the opportunity to experience \u2018Palace in Motion\u2019, a spectacular 15-minute exposition. Light and sound is projected onto the palace, telling the story of Qasr Al Watan in three acts, while explaining the past, present and future of the UAE.<\/p>\n

DINING OPTIONS<\/b>
\nThere is an array of dining options for all tastes and budgets. \u2018Dhiyafat Qasr Al Watan\u2019 and \u2018Al Fowala\u2019 are sit-down restaurants in the main Palace area. If you\u2019d prefer a cafe, try \u2018Maqha Al Maktaba\u2019 inside the library. For a simple option, \u2018Legma\u2019 is the grab-and-go outlet located in the visitor centre, Zayed Gate and the main palace.
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\n<\/b>FANCY A SOUVENIR?<\/b>
\nThere are two gift shops \u2013 one in the Visitor Centre and one in the main Palace, selling uniquely crafted gifts and souvenirs inspired by Qasr Al Watan.<\/p>\n

PHOTOGRAPHY<\/b>
\nFeel free to snap personal photos and videos and upload to social media. You can tag your posts with @QasrAlWatanTour and #QasrAlWatanTour on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please switch mobile phones to silent while visiting Qasr Al Watan.<\/p>\n

OPENING HOURS<\/b>
\nQasr Al Watan is open seven days a week from 10am-8pm. Tickets are available on arrival, or online from the official Qasr Al Watan\u00a0website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The best thing about Abu Dhabi International Airport is that it\u2019s located near Yas Island, the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Zoo.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Transport<\/b><\/div>\n
Abu Dhabi does not have a metro service, or car services like Uber and Careem. Your only choice would be to move around with a taxi.<\/div>\n
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Abu Dhabi Taxi:<\/b><\/div>\n
Just hail a taxi from any terminal and go wherever you want. Depending on the time of the day, taxis should be your fastest mode of transportation and a very convenient. Taxi fares start at Dh25 from the airport and Dh5 from anywhere else, however there is a minimum fare of Dh12.<\/div>\n
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Layover: 8 to 10 hours<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Abu Dhabi Corniche<\/b><\/div>\n

\n<\/b>Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The coastline’s pathway stretches for about 7 kilometres. There’s tonnes of gardens, trees and little vendors selling street snacks and drinks. And of course, you also get gorgeous views of the Arabian Gulf.<\/div>\n
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Location Abu Dhabi coastline Cost free Timings 24 hours a day 7 days a week.<\/div>\n
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Louvre Abu Dhabi<\/b><\/div>\n

\n<\/b>It’s the first Louvre museum to open outside Paris. And all that history and art is right here in Abu Dhabi. The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened on November 11, 2017 and is a universal museum that is home to some of the most beautiful art in the world. The eye catching building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, who designed it in the shape of a shallow dome; a combination of modern architecture and the regions traditions.<\/div>\n
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The museum currently has more than 600 artworks and artefacts on display in its 23 galleries, and 12 “chapters”. Dubbed as the first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a glimpse into the history of the world and its major religions. And though the theme is universal, it also presents Arab and regional art in a historical context. Organisers explained the arrangements of exhibits are deliberately chronological, meant to create a dialogue between pieces from different cultures. Families, schools, and art enthusiasts can plan a day out visiting the iconic museum and its many different exhibits and workshops. Visitors are invited to discover how different cultures can share influences as well as mutual historical connections. The collections will constantly be enriched through loans and local art.<\/div>\n
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