Information on Qasr Al Muwaiji in Abu Dhabi
This Qasr Al Muwaiji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the birthplace of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates in 1948. This was also the palace where Sheikh Khalifa’s father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruled during his tenure as the Ruler’s Representative of the Eastern Region of the Emirate. This palace was built around a 100 years old Oasis and was home to generations of the Al Nahyan family.
The Qasr Al Muwaiji has witnessed numerous decisions that lead to the modern day Al Ain. The Qasr Al Muwaiji was not only a home but the place of rule and a focus for the community at the oasis. It is an architectural wonder and offers visitors a peak into the historical and cultural experiences of the power venue which also includes narrations of the path-breaking moments and life of Sheikh Khalifa’s dating back to his childhood, growth as a leader and vast national achievements as a family and ruler.
The Qasr Al Muwaiji also details the chronology of the Abu Dhabi’s ruling family and progression of the Al Nahyan Family. There is a museum that features activities and performances celebrating the overall spirit of the significant of this national cultural site.
Table of Contents
Best time to Visit Qasr Al Muwaiji:
Weekdays are the best time to visit
Visit Timings of Qasr Al Muwaiji:
Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 3pm-7pm
Saturday: 9am-7pm
Monday: Closed
Location of Qasr Al Muwaiji:
Qasr Al Muwaiji is located in the central part of Al Ain in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Address: Khalifa Bin Zayed St – Al Muwaij’i – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Tickets Price to Qasr Al Muwaiji:
Entry to this site is free for all visitors.
Time required to explore Qasr Al Muwaiji:
Depending on how deep you want to get into the history of the family you may take from 3 to 5 hours. Sauntering in the gardens around the oasis could stretch the time longer.
Things to do at Qasr Al Muwaiji:
- Visit the exhibition Centre designed by renowned architects from Italy keeping into the consideration the need and tonality. Qasr Al Muwaiji opened up for the general public in 2015
- The exhibition showcases the life of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed together with the past of Qasr Al Muwaiji. Actually the Qasr Al Muwaiji is a celebration of the life of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed in providing a stature to Abu Dhabi.
- Visitors can gain knowledge of the history of the region, the story of the development, change in local landscape in the decades and the transformation of the lives of the locals.
- Also there are rooms where crucial nation-building decisions were taken. Don’t miss the magnificent square of Qasr Al Muwaiji together with the rooms where the formative years of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed were spent.
- The Qasr Al Muwaiji is replete with videos, pictures, timeline tech-screens & lighting systems timeline board to educate the visitor on the history of Qasr Al Muwaiji in both Arabic & English.
- A visitor could even wander and sit into the calming shade of the date trees. Adjacent to this is a black-marble dry fountain in complete contrast to the archaic fort.
- Visitors can take guided tours. Moreover, a complimentary multimedia guide will also be provided at the reception.
Do’s & Don’t’s at Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult in the exhibition building.
- The Exhibition building prevents strollers.
- Carrying of food or drinks is prohibited in the exhibition building.
Parking and Amenities at Qasr Al Muwaiji
There is adequate disabled access parking on-site for the public, tours and school groups. However for larger groups and school groups, the same must be made in advance.
Image Reference
- Image 1 – Ghania Fatima / Wikimedia Commons
- Image 2 – Ratheesh Ramachandran / Wikimedia Commons
