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Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Hosn
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Emirati woman's hand weaving traditional Bedouin Sadu

Ancient crafts

Al-Sadu is a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women (nomadic Arabs) using sheep, camel and goat wool to create distinctive designs. Up close, these designs are rich in geometric patterns that reflect their social identity and surrounding environment. Back in the day, Al-Sadu was used to create bait al-shaar (tents), tent dividers, ataad (camel accessories), saddles, straps and more. Sadu was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011.

Khoos sees male and female artists using date palm leaves to weave or braid functional objects.

A traditional form of decorative embroidery practised by Emirati women is Talli. This is a beautiful amalgamation of cotton or silk threads intertwined with gold and silver threads to decorate collars, sleeves and hems of the kandoora and thawb (traditional women's robes). Creating this beautiful embroidery is a time-consuming and complex process that requires patience and concentration.

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The Cultural Foundation

Located nearby, the Cultural Foundation is another fantastic place to visit, especially with children. Having gained regional and international acclaim as a world-renowned venue for culture and the arts, the building itself has gained prominence as a modern heritage landmark. Featuring workshops, classes, exhibitions and more, travellers who love creativity and culture will be in their element here, with the family-friendly site offering activities for all ages. Children will adore the Abu Dhabi Children's Library, home to soft faux sand dunes for kids to read on, an oasis landscape with a falaj water channel (ancient irrigation system) flowing with books, and a Book Mountain at its heart.

Emirati man's hand pouring traditional Arabic coffee at Qasr Al Hosn

Bait Al Gahwa

If a little caffeine break is what you need to end your tour (or even begin), head over to Bait Al Gahwa and partake in an aromatic coffee ceremony. Taste traditional Arabic coffee with dates - an authentic flavour of the Middle East.

Three Emirati women making traditional handicrafts at House of Artisans

House of Artisans

If the world of culture and craft intrigues you, stop at the House of Artisans, a charming centre tucked within Qasr Al Hosn. Here, you will encounter the Emirates' intangible heritage, carefully preserved and brought back to life.

Spend quality time attending a training course, an educational workshop or visiting one of many public events to immerse yourself in traditional Emirati crafts of the past. You can witness local artisans bringing beautiful artworks to life and purchase them as souvenirs to take back home with you.

The heritage and refined works showcased here caught the attention of Comité Colbert, the French luxury association made up of prestigious brands, including Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and more. In 2019, they collaborated with the centre's local artisans to promote cross-cultural dialogue between France and the UAE.

With a craft passed down from generation to generation, a partnership like this only further solidifies the Emirati identity.

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Qasr Al Hosn Festival

The Qasr al Hosn Festival is an annual celebration of UAE culture held at the start of the year. Featuring live music and dances, workshops, interactive activations, art exhibitions and other traditional performances, the festival showcases the best of Abu Dhabi’s past and present against the stunning backdrop of Al Hosn.

Sculpture of a hand with bent fingers at the Cultural Foundation in Qasr Al Hosn

The Cultural Foundation

The Cultural Foundation, located near Qasr Al Hosn, is the heart of Abu Dhabi's fine art community.

Inside, you can find a series of regular programmes that celebrate local and regional culture, showcase a variety of art forms and encourage cross-cultural exchanges. Not only will you come across dedicated studio spaces, but there is even a renovated 900-seat theatre! The venue has gained local and international acclaim, and the building has become a modern heritage landmark.

For bookworms and knowledge seekers, step into the 5,250 square metre Abu Dhabi Children's Library, and you will experience a moment of awe. Spread across three floors and designed as a life-size pop-up book with immersive spaces, children will love spending time here! They can lay on soft faux dunes, slowly turning pages of their favourite book or get lost in the oasis inspired-landscape with a falaj water channel (ancient irrigation system) flowing with books.

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Tickets for Qasr Al Hosn

Enjoy free entry to the House of Artisans, the Cultural Foundation, and Qasr Al Hosn's beautiful outdoor spaces.

Please note that tickets are needed for Qasr Al Hosn, special workshops, and events. Grab your tickets from the official website or at the Ticketing counter. General admission starts at AED 30. 

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Your Abu Dhabi Pass

Enjoy great savings and greater deals at Qasr Al Hosn. When you purchase the official Abu Dhabi Pass, you'll also get access to the Cultural Foundation, the House of Artisans and Bait Al Gahwa. Buy now

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Frequently asked questions about Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn was initially built as a home for the ruling family of the UAE.

In the early days, Qasr Al Hosn housed the National Consultative Council and today it is a museum acting as a national archive, showcasing traditional Emirati crafts.

Qasr Al Hosn is said to be built under the reign of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa in 1761 and converted into a fort by his son Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab.
Qasr Al Hosn not only functions as a national archive but also consists of the House of Artisans, where you can participate in training courses, educational workshops and other public events relating to the heritage of the UAE.

Entry to House of Artisans and landscape is complimentary, excluding Qasr Al Hosn, special workshops and events. The ticket price is AED 30 per person.

Qasr Al Hosn closes at 10 PM, seven days a week.