Qasr Al Hosn draws visitors seeking Abu Dhabi’s authentic past

When a local wishes to introduce Abu Dhabi to a tourist or when a tourist seeks the authenticity of the nation, they often visit Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building structure in Abu Dhabi. This iconic white, coral-and-stone fortress, located amidst downtown Abu Dhabi's skyscrapers, stands as a testament to the city's evolution from a fishing and pearling settlement on a desert island to the capital of the UAE.

Dina Roshdy, an architect who grew up in Abu Dhabi, explains that the Cultural Foundation, or Qasr Al Hosn, is the oldest building still accessible to visitors today.

The fort's history dates back to the 18th century when Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan built a watchtower to protect the island's fresh water source. Constructed from sea stone, coral, and lime-based mortar, the tower was initially a modest square defensive structure. A staff member at Qasr Al Hosn noted that one can see the oldest flag of Abu Dhabi at the monument.

The fort comprises three parts: the inner fort, the watchtower, and the outer palace. The inner fort showcases the city's leaders and their tribes, illustrating Abu Dhabi's transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a built-up city. The outer palace, built using oil revenue, houses the family's living quarters. For Roshdy, Qasr Al Hosn used to be a popular spot for family outings.

Dina Roshdy suggests visiting the fort in chronological order: start at the Cultural Foundation to view old images, then explore local shops and architecture, and finally, walk through the history area to understand why the fort was built, its purpose, and its usage. Leila A., a legal consultant from Dubai, enjoys exploring the traditional side of the nation at Qasr Al Hosn, alongside her friend Ina B., a French legal consultant based in France. Both women appreciate the slower pace of life, even while sitting in a café.