Get a chance to visit Qasr Al Hosn – the architectural marvel of the UAE. Abu Dhabi should be on your bucket list if you are planning to visit UAE. This place holds some of the finest attractions of the region and Qasr Al Hosn is one of them. This grand architecture is one of the most iconic places to visit in Abu Dhabi and it represents the bygone era.
Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi was once home to the family who ruled for many centuries. It later became the place of government, a consultative council, and a national archive. Qasr Al Hosn is also one of the oldest and most important buildings in Abu Dhabi. It houses one of the first permanent structures in the city: the iconic watchtower.
Qasr Al Hosn – Popular attractions
Watchtower and Fortress
These marvellous attractions commanded the coastal trade routes and safeguarded the island settlements. It underwent elaborate restoration and conservation work for 11 years. Qasr Al Hosn is now officially a national monument that is a tribute to the rapid transformation and growth of Abu Dhabi from a town that merely relied on fishing and pearling in the past, to the present-day state-of-the-art and global metropolis. The stunning watchtower proudly faces the sea and is a prominent landmark of old Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn was named “Hosn Abu Dhabi” which probably means Abu Dhabi Fort. Since its commencement, only those who control the walls of the fort can get the right to rule. The current ruling is the Al Nayan family who have brought an enormous change in the lives of the residents through constant work, commitment and vision.
Also Read: Yas Island attractions in Abu Dhabi – Everything you need to know about
House of Artisans
The House of Artisans inside Qasr Al Hosn is the main centre for the celebration, conservation, and advancement of artisans and the promotion of the heritage of Abu Dhabi. It gives you an insight into different kinds of traditional Emirati crafts such as:
Khoos
Khoos mainly refer to household products such as baskets with lids, table mats, hand-held fans, etc. that are primarily made with branches, leaves, and fronds of the date palm tree. This is an art that has been an integral part of Emirati life for generations.
Talli
This is basically a creative skill wherein cotton and silk are used to create artistic embroidery on traditional garments. Golden and silver threads are mostly used to make embroidery in the sleeves, collars, and hems of garments. It is a comprehensive process and this art is passed on from one generation to another.
Al-Sadu
Al-Sadu is mainly a weaving method used by Bedouin women in the early days. Here, Animal wool is used to create striking garments in geometrical patterns. Apart from clothing, they also created bait al-sha’ar, which is a form of tent to protect their families from the intensely hot weather, and bad weather conditions.
This attraction also hosts other cultural performances such as dance shows, musicals, falconry demonstrations, poetry, etc. and there is also a change of guards ceremony. You can interact with local fishermen, savour authentic Emirati food, and stroll through a traditional market where you can purchase garments, antiques, organic vegetables and fruits, and much more. It is an ideal way for individuals and families to spend their weekends.
Bait Al Gahwa
You will be experiencing some newness at the House of Artisans. An initiative by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, Bait Al Gahwa is a cultural experience that will give you a detailed elaboration of how Gahwa or Arabic coffee is prepared and served. Serving Gahwa has been integral to Emirati hospitality for centuries.
With Bait Al Gahwa, you’ll get to know the authentic method of preparing Gahwa using techniques that have been passed on from one generation to another. You can sit back and enjoy the ritual and witness the important steps such as roasting the beans, cooling, grounding, and brewing that go into making this delicious coffee.
Also Read: Qasr Al Watan – Presidential Palace of Dubai
Qasr Al Hosn Festival
The Hosn Festival is one of the most beautiful and must-visit occasions in Abu Dhabi. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year and has been celebrated for the past 250 years. Held in the building Square, it gives a sneak peek into the rich legacy of Abu Dhabi as well as the culture and tradition of this wonderful city. Performers honour the influence of Abu Dhabi on a global scale.
Qasr Al Hosn – Location and Timing
This beauty is located at Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road. Landmarks such as Etisalat Headquarters and the World Trade Centre are nearby. It is accessible from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai and Al Ain.
The timings of Qasr Al Hosn are as follows:
Saturday to Thursday – 9 am to 8 pm
Friday – 2 pm to 8 pm
