Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is more than a palace, it is a unique testament to the spirit of the United Arab Emirates’ people and its leaders. The Palace invites the world to share our culture, knowledge and inspiring journey. Qasr Al Watan is more than just a palace, it is an enriching interactive journey in a contemporary setting that reveals and reflects on governance, knowledge and craftsmanship.
Qasr Al Watan Library
This impressive and prestigious library is situated within the esteemed Qasr Al Watan presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, is a symbol of openness and knowledge. This library aligns with the UAE Vision 2021, promoting a knowledge-based economy and offering a rich addition to Abu Dhabi’s public library network.
The library, accessible to UAE nationals, residents, and visitors, features an extensive collection covering subjects like history, geography, social development, and more. It houses official documents, local and international sources, as well as publications from various cultural institutions and research centers.
Beyond its impressive collection, the library hosts community initiatives such as panel discussions and musical performances, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. Offering resources in multiple languages, including Arabic and English, it provides printed books, e-books, multimedia, research articles, and modern research facilities.
Qasr Al Watan Library stands as a beacon of knowledge and learning, embracing diverse resources and promoting intellectual engagement.
Qasr Al Watan Library
This impressive and prestigious library is located in Qasr Al Watan, a working presidential palace and an important destination within the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi. This is one of the few presidential headquarters in the world that has opened its doors to the public.
Qasr Al Watan Library reflects the UAE Vision 2021, which supports the knowledge economy to promote and sustain development through investment in minds and human resources. The library is an impressive addition to the rich, existing Abu Dhabi public library network, which provides sources of knowledge through the latest technologies and techniques. Qasr Al Watan Library is open to UAE nationals, residents and travelling visitors, and can be visited in person. A membership card provides access to all services.
The Qasr Al Watan Library boasts a large collection of knowledge resources in the fields of science and the arts within the UAE. Collected over 35 years, these publications cover subjects including history, geography and the social, economic and political development of the country. Official and historical documents from local and international sources are accessible alongside the Constitution and laws of the UAE. The library also houses publications from cultural institutions, research centres, official authorities and publishing houses from across the UAE. There are books on archaeology, history, heritage, memoirs, biographies, human and social sciences, statistics, administration, culture, literature, arts and other sources of public interest.
In addition to the library’s comprehensive collection of books and resources, a series of community initiatives, including panel discussions and musical performances, stimulate dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Offering an integrated reading experience, with resources available in Arabic, English and many other languages, Qasr Al Watan Library is home to printed books, e-books, audio and video books, periodicals, multimedia, university letters, research articles, newspapers and magazines, documents, encyclopaedias, book summaries, reference dictionaries, databases and rare manuscripts. The interior offers a comfortable research, reading and writing environment, housing modern rooms equipped with computers and search-friendly electronic resources.
The Great Hall
Opening hours & timings
Date
Time
Monday to Sunday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
General information
Louvre Abu Dhabi Overview
Getting Here
By Car
From Abu Dhabi – City: From the Corniche/Mina Port
From Dubai on E11 or Yas Island Take the Saadiyat Island / Yas Island exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12 and drive along Yas Highway to the Cultural District / Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Follow road signs from the highway to Louvre Abu Dhabi
By Bus
Abu Dhabi city bus number 94
Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus
On the Cultural Express
Free round trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Hop onto the Cultural Express and get to the museum from Dubai for free. The shuttle serves two stops only – Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan. Leaving Dubai from Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai at 9.00am and returning to Dubai from Qasr al Watan at 6:00pm and from Louvre Abu Dhabi at 6:35pm
By Taxi
A drop-off / pick-up point is situated just in front of the main entrance at the visitor car park.
On The Cultural Express
Free round trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Hop onto the Cultural Express and get to the museum from Dubai for free.
The shuttle serves two stops only – Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan
Leaving Dubai from Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai at 9.00am and returning to Dubai from Qasr al Watan at 6:00pm and from Louvre Abu Dhabi at 6:35pm.
For more details on the shuttle drop off locations and timings, click here.
No booking required, number of seats are limited.
By Boat
Take the water taxi service from Marsa Mina, Abu Dhabi Port’s Cruise Terminal, to Louvre Abu Dhabi. Tickets can be purchased through their online ticketing system here.
Qasr Al Watan Ticket
Qasr Al Watan Ticket
Enjoy general access to explore Qasr Al Watan.
*This ticket includes access to the ‘Palace in Motion’ show if it’s taking place on the date of your visit.
Adult price: AED 65
Junior: AED 30
Check for more ticket offers
Frequently asked questions about Qasr Al Watan
There are ample parking spaces available and there is no charge to park here.
Is there valet parking?
- Is there a dress code at Qasr al Watan
Does Qasr Al Watan provide transportation services?
How can I purchase a ticket?
How do I receive my tickets when I buy online?
Is there an entry fee?
Are refunds possible for the entry fee?
If I leave the grounds, can I return without paying again?
Does Qasr Al Watan have guided tours?
Do I have to take a guided tour?
Are there any facilities for people of determination & the elderly?
Are there prayer facilities at the site?
Is internet access available for visitors?
Is photography allowed in Qasr Al Watan?
Are mobile phones allowed?
Can I purchase food and drink during my visit?
Is smoking allowed?
Can I bring a pet?
How can I contact Qasr Al Watan?
Yes, valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a price of AED 35.
Additional Rent Services:- Strollers: Price AED 20
- Wheelchairs: Free of Charge
As a courtesy to other guests in the Palace and in accordance with local laws and customs, we ask all guests to please wear respectful clothing when in the palace. We kindly recommend knees and shoulders covered.
No, visitors must find their own transport to/from Qasr Al Watan.
Tickets can be purchased online. Please see the Tickets section of the website for more information.
You will receive your ticket(s) via email. You can print these out and bring them with you or you can download the ticket(s) onto your phone. You will need to show this to gain entry into the Palace or its grounds.
Yes, there is an entry fee. Please see the Tickets section of the website for more information.
No, there are no refunds on any and all entry tickets.
No, once you exit the premises you will not be able to enter again.
In line with Abu Dhabi Government guidelines, guided tours are now available for purchase at-gate.
Limited capacity available
No, but to enhance your experience of Qasr Al Watan, a guided tour is recommended.
- Qasr Al Watan provides wheelchairs for people of determination and elderly visitors.
- People of determination guests who are registered in the UAE receive complimentary access plus one companion.
- People of determination guests who are registered in the UAE without companion receive complimentary access.
- International people of determination guests with obvious signs of disability (to be determined by the colleague’s judgment) receive complimentary access but companion don’t receive complimentary access.
Prayer Rooms in both Visitor Center and Zayed gate are open for guests during the operational hours.
There is no Wi-Fi available throughout the Palace grounds.
Yes, non-commercial photography and filming are encouraged. Please see the Visitor Information section of the website for more information.
Yes, in consideration for other visitors, mobile phones must be switched to silent.
Yes, food and beverages are available for purchase from Legma, which is located at the Palace exit and at the Visitors center’s exit. Please be aware that food and drink can only be consumed in restaurant areas of the palace and in the gardens. Consumption of food and drink is not permitted in the great hall or exhibition rooms. Please see the Visitor Information section on the website for more information.
Yes, a designated smoking area is located outside the Visitor Centre.
No, pets or animals are not allowed in the Palace or the Palace grounds.
For assistance, you can call our Contact Centre on (+971) 600 544 442 or send us your request through the Contact us form. The opening hours for the Contact Centre are 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days a week.