Under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the instructions of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Presidential Palace complex will open Qasr Al Watan on Monday March 11. Today, the palace is the official meeting place for the UAE Cabinet and the Federal Supreme Council – the highest constitutional authority in the UAE, and is where official state visits and global leaders are hosted. Visitors will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s governing traditions and values, state news agency WAM reported.
The palace will also house Qasr Al Watan Library where scholars will be able to explore a vast collection of books and resources about the UAE’s political, social and cultural history and learn about the nation’s progressive journey.
It added that Qasr Al Watan is an “exquisitely crafted tribute to the region’s Arabian heritage and artistry”.
In the west wing, visitors will learn about the formation of the UAE and its system of governance, and have access to halls typically reserved for official summits.
Within the House of Knowledge in the east wing, visitors can explore a vast collection of artefacts and rare manuscripts that highlight the Arab world’s contributions to various intellectual fields including science, arts, humanities and literature.
In the evenings, visitors will enjoy a light and sound show which will be projected onto the facade of the iconic building. A story told in three acts, the show draws a link between the aspirations of Qasr Al Watan and the vision of the nation, reflecting on the UAE’s journey of the past, present and future.
