Qasr Al Watan Palace and Gardens Tickets

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Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: what to know before you book

Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, open to visitors. This guide covers what you can see, the dress code, how to get there from Dubai and what to check on the partner page before you book. Opening hours are not the same on every page we found, so confirm your date before you travel.

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What to expect

Qasr Al Watan combines a working seat of government with a visitor attraction. Visitors walk through the palace halls and exhibition rooms and the gardens, and a visitor centre is the starting point. Guided tours are sold at the gate, in line with government guidelines and subject to limited capacity.

Non-commercial photography and filming are encouraged. Food and drink are allowed only in the restaurant areas and the gardens, not in the great hall or the exhibition rooms. There is no Wi-Fi on the palace grounds and mobile phones must be on silent.

Who it is for

How to get there

By car or taxi

The palace is at Al Ras Al Akhdar, near the Corniche. Parking is free and described as ample, and valet parking is available at the visitor centre car park.

By day tour

Several Abu Dhabi day trips include the palace, often with the Grand Mosque. See our Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai guide.

Official note

The palace states that visitors must find their own transport to and from Qasr Al Watan.

Need a lift? The VIP TOV options are just below.

Map

Access and conditions

Dress code

Wear clothes that cover both knees and shoulders. Shorts, sleeveless tops, see-through garments, flip-flops and overly casual footwear are not allowed.

Wheelchairs and disability access

Wheelchairs are provided free of charge for people of determination and elderly visitors. Registered UAE people of determination receive complimentary access, with one companion. International visitors with obvious signs of disability, as judged by staff, receive complimentary access, but their companions do not.

Tickets and re-entry

Entry tickets are dated and valid only on the printed date. Once you leave the grounds you cannot re-enter without paying again. Check the cancellation terms of your option on the partner page.

Prayer rooms

Prayer rooms are in the visitor centre and at the Zayed gate, open during operating hours.

Hours and closures

The palace publishes hours that differ between its pages, and one source says the palace can close to the public without prior notice, for example on National Day and public holidays or during presidential events. Always check your date.

Plan your visit

• Dress modestly from the moment you leave your hotel.
• Check the hours for your date on the partner page.
• Plan your ride: there is no official transport to the palace.
• Pair it with the Grand Mosque or the Louvre Abu Dhabi if you are making a day of it.

Is Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi right for you?

Choose Qasr Al Watan if you like architecture, history and gardens, and you are happy to dress modestly. If you would rather leave the driving to someone else, a guided Abu Dhabi day trip that includes the palace may suit you better. Entry details, hours and cancellation are set by our booking partner, so read them for your date.

Ready to go? Check dates and options on our partner’s page.

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Frequently asked questions