Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi (must see)

Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The construction of the palace was completed in 2017. Initially used exclusively for official purposes, hosting foreign leaders and conducting meetings of the supreme council and federal cabinet, the palace was opened to the public in 2019 by Sheikhs Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Qasr Al Watan gained recognition and was named among the top 20 landmarks of art and culture in the world by Hotel and Rest's travel and tourism website. It was also nominated for the World Travel Awards in 2020 as the main cultural tourist attraction in the Middle East.

The palace features an impressive exterior and interior design. Its façade is made of white granite and limestone, giving it a regal appearance. The central chamber, known as "The Great Hall," is topped by a dome with a diameter of 37 meters. A stunning chandelier adorns the hall, composed of 350,000 pieces of crystal. The palace has multiple compartments and is adorned with intricate detailing.

The eastern wing of Qasr Al Watan houses the "House of Knowledge." This section contains a variety of important artifacts and objects, including gifts presented by visiting officials from other countries. It also houses two significant religious texts: the Quran, including a replica of the Birmingham manuscript, and the Bible, including the Psalms of David. Additionally, the House of Knowledge features a library with over 50,000 books that document the cultural, social, and political history of the UAE.

The western wing of Qasr Al Watan includes halls for official purposes, including the notable "Spirit of Collaboration" room. This room hosts meetings of the UAE Cabinet, Federal Supreme Council, and international summits. Additionally, the wing houses banquet halls for official events and showcases diplomatic gifts.