Qasr Al Hosn lies in sharp contrast to the city that surrounds it. Recently renovated, it has the same glossy modernity of the skyscrapers around the city, but its history and architecture mark it as distinctly foreign to the time. A watchtower that dates back to the 1700s, one of the oldest buildings in the city, lies within the complex. Over time, the complex has changed in nature, from housing the ruling family to government offices to being designated as the official National Archive of the UAE. It is now a historical landmark representing Emirati culture amid a rapidly changing country.

View of the World Trade Center from outside the Cultural Foundation.

The visit to the fort is an immersive experience, offering a peek into both the history and culture of the Emirates. Although the integrity of the fort and its original architecture is maintained, the museum inside is conveniently air conditioned throughout most of the exhibits. After a walk through the history of the country and the settlement of the coastal Emirate of Abu Dhabi, visitors can look through the rooms furnished to give a glimpse of different aspects of culture and life in the Emirates before and after the discovery of oil.

The corridors of the fort show the textured walls of the original structure, which contain seashells.

A 30 AED ticket will grant entrance to the fort as well as the House of Artisans and The Cultural Foundation. The Al Hosn police force, who provide entertainment through marches and ceremonies, will guide you along the tour. Emiratis employed at the historical and cultural complex walk around the premises in their traditional dress, black abayas and white kandooras standing out among the tourists.

After visiting the fort, you can access the House of Artisans through the back exit. Every 45 minutes a workshop on Emirati coffee is open to tourists, with hosts explaining the traditions and history linked to making the coffee and the utensils used. The rest of the building is home to exhibits on artisanal traditions of the UAE, with multiple workshops to accompany the informative images and panels.

The House of Artisans is an interactive space that preserves the traditions of artisans in the UAE.

An Emirati host explains the process of making coffee and how it was a way to bring the community together.

The Cultural Foundation, a modern building opposite Qasr Al Hosn – that can be easily visited on the same day – promotes art throughout the UAE. Multiple workshops by artists displaying their work are offered to the public, as well as performances and public talks. The foundation will also be home to the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, a three story section of the building targeting three different age groups and providing resources for the children of Abu Dhabi.

The opening exhibit was a display of work by 18 Emirati artists from three distinct generations. The exhibit explored the influences that each generation had on the next, as well as how the artists’ heritage and identity helped shape their work. Some of the most notable pieces exhibited were by Abdul Qader Al Rais, who moved to Kuwait and studied art outside of the UAE. Al Rais was a founding member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in Sharjah.

Qasr Al Hosn is a refreshing break from the city landscape of skyscrapers and modern buildings, offering a quick experience of Emirati culture and history.