Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest and most significant heritage site in Abu Dhabi has now reopened to the public after it underwent extensive restoration work. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces opened the historical cultural site of Qasr Al Hosn. While the historic gates were once again opened, visitors entered experiencing a celebration of the emirate’s rich history and culture in a week-long programme of public events and programmes.
History of Qasr Al Hosn
Historically, the building was constructed in the early 1790s as a conical watchtower, to defend growing settlement established on the island and overlooked the coastal trade routes. The Qasr Al Hosn site was later expanded to include an outer palace built in the 1940s by Shaikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Over the centuries, it has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council and a national archive, and now, it stands as the nation’s living memorial and the narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history. Transformed into a museum following more than 11 years of intensive conservation and restoration work, Qasr Al Hosn is a national monument that encapsulates the development of Abu Dhabi from a settlement reliant on fishing and pearling in the 18th century, to a modern, global metropolis with displays of artefacts and archival materials dating back to as far as 6000BC.
Abu Dhabi’s Original Urban Block
Al Hosn is Abu Dhabi’s original urban block, comprising four interrelated components: the historic Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the National Consultative Council building, the Cultural Foundation and the House of Artisans. The Qasr Al Hosn, which is located in the centre of the city of Abu Dhabi, transformed from a centre of fishing and pearl fishing to one of the world’s modern international cities. Today, it is a historic landmark of the UAE’s ancient society and rich heritage. Qasr Al Hosn comprises two major iconic buildings: The Inner Fort (originally constructed in 1795), and the Outer Palace (1939-45). Entry to House of Artisans, Cultural Foundation, and the landscape is complimentary, excluding Qasr Al Hosn, special workshops and events.
Celebration Week of Events
Al Hosn site is marked with a week-long celebration from December 7 to 15. Free tours, events and musical performances bring the site’s history to life and offer visitors a glimpse into the story of Abu Dhabi and its people. Performances from Salem Shukri Al Attas, the Soaud Massi Trio Al Ain marked the opening day festivities, with a performance of Memory of an Emirati Song by Khalid Mohammed & Fatima Zahrat and many more will follow in the coming week. The ceremony also included a storytelling light show on the walls of the palace, the Cultural Foundation, and the courtyard extending between the two sites.
Qasr Al Hosn
Timings: Sunday-Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm
Schedule of events:
Friday 7 December
General opening starts at 4pm.
Memory of an Emirati Song: Khalid Mohammad & Fatima Zahrat Al Ain – 8:30pm
Salem Shukri Al Attas – 8:30pm
Soaud Massi Trio – 8:30pm
Saturday December 8
Memory of an Emirati Song: Khalid Mohammad & Fatima Zahrat Al Ain – 8:30pm
Salem Shukri Al Attas – 8:30pm
Majaz – 8:30pm
Wednesday December 12
Elbrus – 6:30pm
Thursday December 13
Elbrus – 6:30pm
Naseer Shamma & Global Project Ensemble – 8:30pm
Friday December 14
Iftah Ya Simsim – 6:30pm
Chehade Brothers – 8:30pm
Saturday December 15
Iftah Ya Simsim – 6:30pm
Yousif Yaseen (Mukhalef) – 8:30pm
Artists and the Cultural Foundation: The Early Years
The inaugural exhibition of ‘Artists and the Cultural Foundation: The Early Years’ features more than 100 works by local artists active in the institution’s early days in the 1980s and 90s. It traces points of connection and divergence among these early cohorts of Cultural Foundation artists, inviting visitors to reflect on the past and present of Abu Dhabi’s home-grown art community.
House of Artisans
Located on Al Hosn, alongside Qasr Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation, the House of Artisans is an initiative dedicated to the safeguarding and promotion of the UAE’s intangible heritage. It showcases traditional Emirati handicrafts. Exhibitions, workshops and training courses focusing on traditional Emirati handicrafts such as Al Sadu (weaving), Khoos (palm frond braiding) and Talli (embroidery) will enable the all-important transmission of knowledge and skills around these crafts, ensuring their future survival.
