UAE | Heritage and Culture
UAE museum: Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi
Al Hosn Palace or Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and symbolises the historical development as well as the political history of its rulers from 1795 to 1966.
- By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 20:05 November 2, 2008
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
- Qasr Al Hosn, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and symbolises the historical development as well as the political history of its rulers from 1795 until 1966.
Al Hosn Palace or Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and symbolises the historical development as well as the political history of its rulers from 1795 to 1966.
The building was developed from a freestanding conical tower built in 1761 to protect the newly discovered water source on the island, into a large and fortified fort for the ruler of Abu Dhabi used for defending the area.
Under Shaikh Shakhbut Bin Dhiab, who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1793 to 1816, the old tower that protected the vital water source was integrated into a larger rectangular fort arrangement. Since that date, the fort became the official seat of rule of the shaikhs of Al Nahyan until 1966.
Qasr Al Hosn is the main landmark in the city and it is visited by 10 to 15 busloads of tourists of various nationalities daily. It will soon undergo an ambitious project of conservation and rehabilitation to make it the memorial site for Abu Dhabi and Al Nahyan Ruling Family.
Opening hours: 7:30am to 6:30pm
Admission: Free
More from UAE Heritage & Culture
More from UAE
Latest news
- Sharjah boy tops Indian board's class 12 exams
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Phone Sharjah transfusion centre now toll free
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
