The historic site is extending its opening hours for the first week.

It’s been over a decade in the making, and on Friday, Qasr Al Hosn will finally re-open to the public.

The newly renovated landmark is the oldest and most significant heritage site in Abu Dhabi. The site is made up of two buildings – the inner fort, which dates back to 1795, and the outer palace, which was built in the 1940s.

Over the past 200 years, Qasr Al Hosn been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, the consultative council, and the national archives.

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But now, it will begin the next chapter of its colourful history as a museum, tracing Abu Dhabi’s development from fishing village to modern metropolis.

The wider Al Hosn cultural site will also be home to the Cultural Foundation, the National Consultive Council building, and the House of Artisans.

Opening week celebrations

During opening week, the site will extend its opening hours from 10am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

The site will normally be open from 9am to 7pm Saturday to Thursday, and from noon to 10pm on Fridays.

Entry to the Qasr Al Hosn permanent exhibition (the museum) costs Dhs30, but you can enter the general site to have a look around for free.

Free tours, workshops, and musical performances will take place during opening week, to help bring the site’s history to life.

At the House of Artisans, you’ll find local artisans offering workshops and demonstrations of traditional Emirati crafts including Tali embroidery and Al Sadu weaving from 9am to 7pm Saturday to Thursday, and 2pm to 10pm on Friday.

The Cultural Foundation will be presenting a landmark exhibition titled Artists and the Cultural Foundation: The Early Years, which you can check out from 9am to 8pm Saturday to Thursday, and from noon to 10pm on Friday.

Musical performances will take place from 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 6.30pm next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more information on Qasr Al Hosn, visit the website.

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