Arabic coffee, or Gahwa in the Emirati dialect, has been a cornerstone of Arab culture for centuries. Its deep significance led the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, to successfully apply for its inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.
Bait Al Gahwa at Qasr Al Hosn is a cultural initiative created to highlight the intricate methods and rituals of preparing and serving Gahwa to guests. It's a sign of hospitality, and it r
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Bait Al Gahwa preserves and shares the heritage of Emirati Gahwa, where each cup tells a story of hospitality, generosity and tradition.
Visitors to Qasr Al Hosn – the oldest stone building in the emirate – are invited to experience the ceremonial preparation and serving of Emirati Gahwa, enjoyed with dates and reflecting centuries of cultural practice in the UAE.
Qasr Al Hosn began as a watchtower built in the 1790s to guard Abu Dhabi's coastal trade routes. For generations it was home to the ruling Al Nahyan family and the seat of government, before opening as a museum in 2018 after more than a decade of restoration.
Bait Al Gahwa takes place within these walls, in the same rooms that once hosted Abu Dhabi's earliest gatherings.
Bait Al Gahwa sits within the wider Al Hosn site, alongside the House of Artisans, where visitors can watch craftspeople demonstrate traditional Emirati skills.
Entry to both the House of Artisans and the surrounding landscape is free, making it easy to pair a coffee demonstration with a wander through the site's other craft displays.
Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
When was Qasr Al Hosn built?
Qasr Al Hosn's original watchtower was built in 1790, making it Abu Dhabi's first permanent structure. It grew into the Inner Fort in 1795, with the Outer Palace added between 1939 and 1945.
What is the main historical structures that Qasr Al Hosn holds?
Within Qasr Al Hosn, there are two main historical structures:
Who lived in Qasr Al Hosn?
Qasr Al Hosn was once a residential palace where the ruling family resided, such as Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa.
What is the importance of Qasr Al Hosn?
As the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn holds a lot of significance for the country.
How much is the entry fee to Qasr al Hosn?
General admission is AED 31.5 for adults (18+), with free entry for visitors under 18. A single ticket covers Qasr Al Hosn, the House of Artisans and the Bait Al Gahwa experience.
What does Al Hosn mean in English?
Al Hosn means 'Fort' in English, whereas Qasr means 'Palace'.
