Qasr al-Hosn
Located on Khalid bin Walid St, Abu Dhabi, Qasr al-Hosn, the White Fort or Old Fort, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. The original structure was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of Abu Dhabi’s rulers, the Al Nahyan family. Today, two sections are clearly distinguishable – the ancient fort, dating back to the time of Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon who ruled from 1845–1855, and a new section added in 1936 by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan, brother of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Major renovations took place in 1983 and the whole historic Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Quarter is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment.
Heritage Village
Situated on a 1600 square metre site overlooking the Corniche, near the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi, this heritage village is run by Emirates Heritage Club. Here you can journey to the past and experience traditional life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape, economically and socially. In addition to bedouin tents, there are reconstructions of palm ('arish) and other houses, old fishing villages and traditional souqs. Given its location along the seafront, maritime traditions are a special feature. There is also a shop for local crafts, a good photographic exhibition and a unique collection of the Holy Quran.
Emirates Palace Hotel
The hotel frequently hosts world-class art and cultural exhibitions, and it has a permanent exhibition of plans for the development of Saadiyat Island Cultural District, including models of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Museum.
Manarat Al Saadiyat
A temporary space on Saadiyat Island in preparation for the completion of the major museums, this space hosts some important exhibitions.
Women's Handicraft Centre
This is a very enjoyable place to visit, especially if you are interested in locally made crafts. The centre is run by Abu Dhabi Women's Association as a forum for local women to display their wares from perfumed oils to local costume and pottery. Some of the items are for sale. A kitchen area serves typical Gulf cuisine.
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