Historic Qasr Al Hosn Now Opens After 11- Year Revamp

Historic Qasr Al Hosn Now Opens After 11- Year Revamp

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

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.

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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.

 

 

 

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