Qasr al Hosn, a main historic landmark in Abu Dhabi, symbolizes the political and historical development of the Emirate and its rulers since its construction in the 18th century.

The building was built in 1793 as the residence of the ruling family. Over time, it has been a place of safety, a seat of government and a royal palace, hence the name Qasr al Hosn which means palace-fort.

Today Qasr al Hosn is an iconic landmark, a symbol of the city’s origin and culture. It is a place that embodies the nation’s shared memories. The building is currently a leading tourist monument in Abu Dhabi and the greater UAE. As the Emirates grow and continue to become a force of stability and progress, the Al Hosn Fort remains a bright example of the city's heritage and identity.

Photo by Mitali Banerji/The Gazelle

The building is currently under renovation, so visiting it is not an option. However, one may still visit the Exhibition Centre to get a feel of the building’s rich heritage. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., barring lunch hours, and entry is free. The exhibition features a collection of video memories and artifacts depicting the nation’s history, talks about the fort’s historical significance as well as the leadership’s role in emphasizing sovereignty and influence within the region.

“I found [the exhibition] very enlightening because it really sums up Abu Dhabi for you,” said Julia Knowles, a German tourist visiting Abu Dhabi. “The chronological layout as well as its interactive nature really helps tourists understand what exactly this place was pre-oil.”

Visitors can not only see timelines of all the events that took place at the fort, but also see mock ups of households, even the utensils used in homes, to gather a better understanding of the lifestyles of traditional Emiratis. There is also an interactive section of the exhibition where you can answer a few questions about your perceptions about Abu Dhabi and pick a symbol for the Emirate. This section is then instantaneously woven into an ongoing fabric; so far about 3,000 visitors have added their symbols to this collection.

During February and March, visitors can see the remains of the building during the Qasr al Hosn Festival. It brings to life the history and culture of Abu Dhabi through a programme of events and activities.