Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is a working presidential palace that also welcomes the public, which makes it unusual among the world's seats of government. Completed in 2017 and opened to visitors on 11 March 2019, it is used for state receptions, meetings of the Council of Ministers and official visits, but it is not a residence. The visit is designed to explain how the UAE is governed and how its culture has shaped its institutions.

The building rises to about 60 metres, faced in white granite and limestone. Its central space is the Great Hall, crowned by a dome 37 metres in diameter, with a chandelier made of around 350,000 crystal pieces. The scale and the detailed geometric decoration are what most people remember. The west wing holds official halls such as the Spirit of Collaboration room, where cabinet meetings, sessions of the Federal Supreme Council and international summits have taken place. The east wing, known as the House of Knowledge, displays gifts from visiting leaders and manuscripts, and its library holds more than 50,000 books on the country's history and society.

Tickets come in several forms, including general admission, add-on tours and Palace in Motion, an evening show with its own ticket and a last entry 30 minutes before it starts. Opening hours are subject to change, so check them on the official website before you go and book online. Allow two to three hours for the palace, plus extra time if you stay on for the show. It suits anyone curious about the country, from families to architecture fans.

The dress code requires knees and shoulders to be covered, and shorts, sleeveless tops and see-through clothing are not allowed. Flip-flops are also turned away, so wear comfortable closed shoes. Food and drink are not permitted apart from bottled water, there are no lockers or cloakrooms, and bags must fit through airport-style scanners. Personal photography is allowed throughout, but not with wearable camera devices. Wheelchairs are available free of charge.

The palace stands in Al Ras Al Akhdar, close to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Visitors park for free at the Visitor Centre, and a free shuttle takes them to the palace entrance. From Saadiyat or Yas Island, drivers follow Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and then Corniche Street. Combine it with lunch at the palace's Legma restaurant, or with an afternoon on the Corniche.