Reader's photo essay: Inside Qasr Al Watan, UAE's presidential palace in Abu Dhabi

Gulf News reader and photography enthusiast Razia Khatoon recently visited Abu Dhabi and captured beautiful pictures of the Qaṣr Al-Waṭan, the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates. This picture shows the facade of Qasr Al Watan made of white granite and limestone with intricate designs inside and out.

"This picture shows the symmetry of the hanging lights at the Presidential Palace," said the passionate photographer, who is also an HR professional and a certified life coach. She added: "My two daughters, Zaina Aslam Ahmad and Ayesha Aslam Ahmad, aged 15 and 10 motivated us to visit the presidential palace. A shuttle bus, which took us around the palace entrance. My daughters were enthralled with the lush greenery and water fountains and mesmerised by the grandeur of the palace. The light and sound show was indeed their favourite."

Khatoon was amazed at the intricate designs and beautiful furniture and fixtures in the palace. Here's the chandelier at the entrance to the Presidential Palace.

She added: "I stood spellbound and speechless inside the Grand Hall boasting of the largest dome in the country, with a height of seven stories and a diameter of 37 meters."

This part of the palace is called the Spirit of Collaboration. It represents the UAE's leadership, cooperation and governance, said Khatoon. She added that a circular layout of the room and its unique design can accommodate 900 people. It is worth a visit as it symbolises UAE's commitment to equality.

Khatoon shared the picture of another beautiful chandelier inside the palace. She said: "This unique chandelier has 350,000 crystals."

This beautiful vase with its intricate design is one of the many artefacts exchanged during diplomatic engagements and displayed in the Hall of Presidential Gifts, according to Khatoon.

The majestic Presidential Banquet Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests at a time. She noticed that tables are set with hand-painted bone china, crystalware and silverware custom-made for the Palace.

This is a picture of a sculpture called The Power of Words. It was conceived by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. The interlaced inscription is inspired by the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

A painting of the visionary leader, the founder of UAE, late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, displayed inside the palace.

Khatoon added: "The breathtaking 'Palace in Motion' light show tells the story of the UAE's past and present, and goals for the future."