Funky features include soft faux sand dunes for kids to read on, an oasis with a falaj (ancient irrigation system) flowing with books, and a Book Mountain at the heart of the library. A large and diverse collection of books includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, autobiographies and audio-books.
Spread over three floors, the impressive 5,250-square-metre Abu Dhabi Children’s Library is a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and entertain the young and the young at heart. Divided into immersive, age-appropriate social spaces, with one including a three-dimensional learn-and-play area, this hidden city gem encourages children to physically immerse themselves in a whimsical interior.
Every floor boasts a different design, with local and international visitors enjoying an open,...
Location
Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
Changes over time
Eventually, when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, both he and his son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, moved their base to Abu Dhabi. From the 1970s, several phases of restoration work began on the compound of Qasr Al Muwaiji to secure its heritage. This became a significant regeneration project that only further cemented the palace’s position as a public space in Al Ain. In a beautiful fusion of old and new, start your tour with the modern exhibition hall housed inside a glass-walled area within the courtyard of the Qasr Al Muwaiji museum. Here, you can see the chronological order of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family members, all connected to Qasr Al Muwaiji.
The fort is free to enter and you are welcome to book a free guided tour. For your knowledge, the guides would be happy to point out which elements are relatively newer than the rest.
Take in the variety of historical and traditional information available, including oral narrations of Sheikh Khalifa's life, from his childhood stories to his national achievements as a leader. You can also see how the history of Qasr Al Muwaiji has been retained from early archaeological discoveries to modern-day features today. These gems have kept the UAE's culture and history alive for global travellers and residents.
Occasionally, the now-museum also features interactive activities and performances that celebrate the overall spirit of this cultural site. This solidifies Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision of making Qasr Al Muwaiji a wonderful place to gather and celebrate with the community for decades.
Al Muwaiji Oasis
As one of the smallest oases in Al Ain, the Al Muwaiji Oasis nearby consists of 21,000 palm trees and even has the traditional falaj (ancient irrigation system) still in works. The falaj uses ground-level and underground canals to carry water from the nearby mountains and irrigate the oasis. On your tour, you can also learn why this system, which has stood the test of time, is important to Al Ain and its oases.
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Frequently asked questions about Qasr Al Muwaiji.
Who was born in Qasr Al Muwaiji?
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was born at Qasr Al Muwaiji.
How old is Qasr Al Muwaiji?
Qasr Al Muwaiji is over a 100 years old.
Who built Qasr Al Muwaiji?
Qasr Al Muwaiji was built in the early twentieth century in the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First (r. 1855-1909) and his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Where did Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan spend his youth?
In his early years, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan used to play in Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and then, later on, spent a lot of his youth in Al Ain.