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Women's Handicrafts in Abu Dhabi Tour
Take a closer look at the crafts that have been a part of Emirati culture for centuries. In Abu Dhabi, you'll find special spots to watch crafts being made and even purchase some for yourself to keep as momentos or give to family as gifts.
Stay in Abu Dhabi city for your day and visit iconic locations like Qasr Al Hosn, the House of Artisans and so much more with short car journeys in between.
Highlights
Car
4 Hours
Highlights
Car
4 Hours
Day 1 highlights
Start your handicraft tour at Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi. There, you'll find House of Artisans, a centre to see live craftwork and chances to get involved yourself and create!
Be sure to visit the Cultural Foundation, a hub for artistic exhibitions and performances. Visitors can sign up for a variety of art workshops made for children and adults. Keep the kids busy at the Children's Library a myriad of books to explore or let them learn and engage in multiple fun activities.
Finally, head to The Souk at the World Trade Centre for a walk around traditional stores and have lunch or dinner at one of their restaurants.
Stop 1
Recommended Time: 1 hour
In a city like Abu Dhabi, where things are constantly evolving, there are some parts where time almost stands still. Qasr Al Hosn is one of them. The city's oldest standing structure is a commanding figure surrounded by Abu Dhabi's glittering skyline, which, when you see it in person, is a beautiful juxtaposition of the past and present.
Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi was built in the 1790s and was once home to the ruling family. The building also housed the National Consultative Council, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE. Transformed into a museum in 2018 after a decade's worth of intensive conservation and very delicate restorative work, walking into the Al Hosn fort is like stepping into a time capsule.
On entering, the first iconic buildings that you will see are the Inner Fort, constructed in 1795, and the Outer Palace, built between 1939-45. Slowly, look up and lay your eyes on the original watchtower. When Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village, Qasr Al Hosn overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing community on the island. Walking through every area of Qasr Al Hosn is a delightful experience that makes you want to linger longer. You can easily while away a few hours soaking up the fascinating history of the UAE capital or looking at artefacts and archival materials from 6,000 years ago. And as for children, exploring the nooks and crannies of this ancient structure is sure to give them a sense of adventure and excellent material for storytime!
Today, the Al Hosn palace has become the nation's living memorial of a time long gone and a visual reflection of Abu Dhabi's history.
House of Artisans
Stop 2
If you’re looking to soak up some heritage and history when you visit Abu Dhabi, then a trip to House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn is an absolute must.
House of Artisans – a centre that promotes the preservation of the UAE’s rich heritage and crafts created from the land’s natural resources – the desert, the oases, the coast and the sea. The skills of these crafts have been passed down through many generations, and House of Artisans offers training courses, educational workshops and other events to keep these important traditions alive.
Visitors to House of Artisans Abu Dhabi are able to purchase mementoes as well as witness centuries-old skills in action such as Sadu, Khoos and Talli.
The heritage of Abu Dhabi and these traditional, centuries-old skills, is exquisitely showcased and respected at House of Artisans – a must-visit on your next Abu Dhabi trip.
Cultural Foundation
Stop 3
In 1971 the UAE was born, and with it, a new cultural vision. From the very beginning, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the founder of the UAE, endearingly named Father of the Nation – wanted to engage the country in cross-cultural dialogue with the wider international community.
World Trade Center Mall
Stop 4
1hrs
This contemporary revival of a historic district within the heart of the city, namely the old Central Market which was the business and trading hub, is now a fully integrated, mixed-use development with a mall, a modern souk (market), offices and residences.
The Souk at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi sits on the site of the original commercial district and spans three levels. A contemporary interpretation of a traditional Abu Dhabi market, it is connected to The Mall at World Trade Center by Khalifa Bridge, with the souk boasting everything from traditional artefacts to henna, spices to jewellery, Arabic perfumes to clothing and accessories.
Featuring a fusion of classic Arabian architecture and modern design, this souk is also home to public squares, two central atriums beneath a fully retractable roof, 3,000 square metres of terraces and beautifully landscaped rooftop gardens.
The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi features the region's first House of Fraser and several other Abu Dhabi firsts, including Karen Millen, BCBG and Missoni. The mall offers a wide selection of casual dining options, including Shakespeare & Co and the Asian-themed American casual restaurant P.F. Chang's. Feel like watching a movie? There's an eight-screen cinema showcasing the latest films. If you're driving yourself to the mall, you'll find ample underground parking as well as a valet service.
Qasr Al Hosn
Recommended Time: 1 hour
In a city like Abu Dhabi, where things are constantly evolving, there are some parts where time almost stands still. Qasr Al Hosn is one of them. The city's oldest standing structure is a commanding figure surrounded by Abu Dhabi's glittering skyline, which, when you see it in person, is a beautiful juxtaposition of the past and present.
Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi was built in the 1790s and was once home to the ruling family. The building also housed the National Consultative Council, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE. Transformed into a museum in 2018 after a decade's worth of intensive conservation and very delicate restorative work, walking into the Al Hosn fort is like stepping into a time capsule.
On entering, the first iconic buildings that you will see are the Inner Fort, constructed in 1795, and the Outer Palace, built between 1939-45. Slowly, look up and lay your eyes on the original watchtower. When Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village, Qasr Al Hosn overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing community on the island. Walking through every area of Qasr Al Hosn is a delightful experience that makes you want to linger longer. You can easily while away a few hours soaking up the fascinating history of the UAE capital or looking at artefacts and archival materials from 6,000 years ago. And as for children, exploring the nooks and crannies of this ancient structure is sure to give them a sense of adventure and excellent material for storytime!
Today, the Al Hosn palace has become the nation's living memorial of a time long gone and a visual reflection of Abu Dhabi's history.
