Nestled within the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, the majestic Qasr Al Watan palace stands tall as a testament to the country's fascinating history, rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance.
In 2019, Qasr Al Watan opened its doors to locals and tourists to give them a chance to take a closer look at the marvelous palace and learn about the country’s history and culture. It also offers school program tours to give students of all ages a transformative educational experience.
The palace’s school program aims to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
An Educational Tour of Qasr Al Watan
The presidential palace’s school program starts with the students getting general information at Qasr Al Watan’s visitor center. A chaperone is assigned for every 10 participants to assist them and their teachers on the tour.
Teachers also receive a complimentary educational booklet to help the students learn more during the field trip.
Students are given activity books containing facts and puzzles about the palace for a more interactive educational tour.
During the tour, students can explore the following zones and attractions of Qasr Al Watan:
The Great Hall
Boasting magnificent traditional Arabian craftsmanship and artistry, the Great Hall is the masterpiece of the palace.
The hall is adorned with intricate gold and earth-toned architectural details. Each corner of the room is ornamented with mirrored cubes, giving guests a more magical view of its interior and features.
The Great Hall also boasts a massive 37-meter diameter dome with intricate patterns that capture everyone’s attention.
The stunning massive archways, mosaic patterns, ornamentation and central dome make the Great Hall an excellent starting point for the students’ field trip.
Qasr Al Watan Library
The school program takes students on a tour of one of the biggest libraries in the United Arab Emirates – Qasr Al Watan Library.
The library houses a collection of 50,000 books covering various disciplines, such as science, literature, and arts. It covers years of Arabian knowledge students will be interested to know about.
Students can also view and access other literary resources such as dissertations, research articles, newspapers and magazines, e-books and other audio and visual content at the Qasr Al Watan Library.
The palace library is one of the most interesting places students can explore at Qasr Al Watan.
House of Knowledge
This zone houses an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing the influence of Arabian scholarship on science, art, literature and other areas.
The House of Knowledge houses many of the country’s rarest books and manuscripts. It also features historic works of calligraphy and manuscripts dating back centuries.
The House of Knowledge’s collection broadens the students’ knowledge about UAE’s history and contribution to human civilization and progress. It also lets them understand the origins of Arabian libraries.
The Presidential Banquet
This area gives students an insight into the world-renowned Emirati hospitality. The Presidential Banquet is the official dining hall of the palace. During the tour, students can look at the room and see the impressive collection of silver, crystal and dining ware diners use at special mealtimes.
Students will also learn about the customs and protocols hosts and guests should follow when dining in this room.
Presidential Gifts
This area houses a collection of presents that symbolize a rich history of benevolence, global diplomacy, and cultural interchange between the UAE and the rest of the world. The Presidential Gifts gallery offers students a unique opportunity to witness in person a selection of esteemed diplomatic presents given to the country.
Among these notable gifts are vases, daggers, swords, and even a fragment of the cloth adorning the Holy Kaaba, which was generously gifted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While exploring this exhibit, students can also gain insights into the cultural sensitivities and protocols followed by UAE officials when choosing, presenting, and receiving diplomatic gifts.
Spirit of Collaboration
Located in the western wing of Qasr Al Watan, the Spirit of Collaboration serves as the UAE Cabinet and Federal Supreme Council’s official meeting place.
It is also the palace’s official venue for important summits and events, such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This room has witnessed the convergence of numerous officials and royals, who have come together to discuss their aspirations and visions and put them into action.
The room's circular design embodies the nation's unwavering commitment to equality and enlightenment.
At this zone, students have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of diplomacy and the protocols followed by both hosts and guests during official meetings.
Additionally, they will have time to look at and admire the mesmerizing sight of an exquisite chandelier adorned with more than 25,000 glistening crystals.
Al Barza
This zone is one of the latest to open at Qasr Al Watan. This special majlis (or sitting room) is the second largest space in the palace and is a unique, impressive work of architecture.
Al Barza is decorated with stunning chandeliers and golden finishings and can hold up to 300 guests.
Here, students can learn about the traditional role of the majlis, an official space for cultural, political and social gatherings. They can do this through a guided tour or a multimedia guide they can get at the start of their visit.
Schools interested in this program can complete their palace booking in the UAE on Qasr Al Watan’s website.
About Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is located in Ras Al Akhdar near the Emirates Palace. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
