The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, hosts an 11-day cultural festival by the same name. Known as the White Fort, this attraction was originally constructed in 1761 as a watchtower and wasn't painted white until the 20th century, when it was renovated. The fort was expanded in the late 1700s when it became the residence of the ruling Sheikh. Today you can visit the fort and tour the museum to discover the history of the city of Abu Dhabi through a permanent exhibition, or see live performances during the fort's annual festival. Use our Abu Dhabi day trip app to visit Qasr Al Hosn on your trip to Abu Dhabi, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.
Create an itinerary including Qasr Al Hosn
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn reviews
-
The oldest building in Abu Dhabi has been lovingly restored. As a past home of the ruling family and the seat of government the fort has a fascinating history. As residents and over 60, we were... more »
-
It was a very nice journey, really enjoyed it. I do hope I can visit it in real life sometime in the future. more »
-
Very interesting place. Shows the very essence of the UAE culture and traditions, and how they were derived and brought to where they are today. The Fort itself is breathtaking, as well as the entire area it encompasses. The restoration is exquisite. Great place to visit if you happen to be in Abu Dhabi, you will leave enlightened and impressed. I do have one suggestion though, the place needs more signs and clarification as to what it is exactly. As we have stumbled there through sole curiosity and adventure mindset. No pictures this time, sorry.
-
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, holding the city’s first permanent structure; the watchtower. Built around the 1790’s, the commanding structure overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing settlement established on the island. Qasr Al Hosn was closed for renovation and repented for public on Friday, December 7 2018. Admission to House of Artisans, Cultural Foundation, and landscape is complimentary, excluding Qasr Al Hosn, special workshops and events. Tickets can be booked and purchased online or onsite, directly at Ticketing.
Plan your trip to Abu Dhabi
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Abu Dhabi
Kid-friendly things to do in Abu Dhabi
Shopping in Abu Dhabi
Hidden gems in Abu Dhabi
Side trips from Abu Dhabi
Nearby attractions in Abu Dhabi
Trips to Qasr Al Hosn by other users
11 days in Maldives & Dubai
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Maafushi Island
Rasdhoo
Male
14 days in Madagascar, Dubai & Cairo
BY A USER FROM EGYPT
Nosy Be
Dubai
Cairo
28 days in Dubai
BY A USER FROM LEBANON
The Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center
31 days in Dubai
BY A USER FROM INDIA
The Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa
The Corniche
31 days in Dubai
BY A USER FROM INDIA
The Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa
The Corniche
15 days in Dubai & Sharjah
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Dubai
Sharjah