Abu Dhabi’s historic Qasr al-Hosn will re-open as a cultural and heritage site

The historic Abu Dhabi landmark, Qasr al-Hosn, is due to re-open as a dedicated cultural and heritage site on 7 December, a decade after it closed. In its new incarnation, it will house a museum showcasing archival material, interactive audio-visual experiences and archaeological objects, as well as an artisan centre that will serve as a centre for preserving and displaying the traditional crafts of the UAE.

Qasr al-Hosn is the city’s oldest standing structure and was constructed in 1761 as a watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi. Its inner fort was added around 1795 and the outer palace was built in the 1940s. It remained the emir’s palace and seat of government until 1966. Having closed for renovation in 2008, it has opened for a few weeks every year since 2013 to host the Qasr Al Hosn Festival.

Among its new attractions is a House of Artisans, which will host workshops and demonstrations by traditional Emirati craftsmen. The Cultural Foundation is to re-open containing a visual arts facility comprising art studios, exhibition galleries, screening rooms and lecture halls. The visual arts centre will launch with an exhibition of contemporary Emirati art. Next year, in 2019, a 900-seat theatre and outdoor amphitheatre will be added, along with the region’s first children’s library.

“Qasr al-Hosn retraces the history of the city of Abu Dhabi, our very first building,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. “It stands as a constant in our evolving city. In addition, we are thrilled to reopen the Cultural Foundation, which has always played an integral role in the cultural scene.”

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