Tipped to be one of Abu Dhabi’s cultural epicentres, Al Hosn Palace has the simultaneous honour of being the country’s oldest structure as well as its first administrative institution. Renowned as one of the ‘must-see’ points of interest in the city the sprawling edifice served as the royal palace of the ruling elite till the middle half of the 1990’s.
Constructed as far back as 1793 Al Hosn Palace is the oldest surviving structure in Abu Dhabi and is conveniently located in a strategic position in the city that is easily accessible to visitors. The venue is first and foremost an architectural marvel as an ancient castle that has literally stood the test of time through centuries of trials and tribulations. The historic venue was commissioned to be built by then monarch Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who wished to construct a new seat of government on Abu Dhabi Island after the administrative wing of the local government was shifted from its previous epicentre in the Liwa Oasis.
Larger in scale and more elegant at first glance the palace’s main gate is a magnificent piece of tile based creativity. Maintained and restored to its former glory by the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn Palace now serves as the Centre for Documentation and Research in the country. The old fort in the venue however now documents the changes made to the palace complex since the time of Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nah.
Other attractions in the compound include its illustrious museum space which explores the vibrant wildlife heritage of the region with special focus on desert dwelling creatures. Showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity through relics, artefacts and old photographs the museum also serves as a significant cultural institution documenting and displaying the history of Abu Dhabi as a nation. One wing of the museum is devoted to showcasing historical relics elaborating the geo political and economic legacy of the country. Ancient weapons and development strategies of Abu Dhabi over the ages are also explored through the exhibits that help visitors gauge a more comprehensive view of the country and its rise to the global stage.
Travellers on the lookout for an elegant hotel in Abu Dhabi will find no finer alternative to the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi. Providing guests with the best in cotemporary spa facilities the luxury guestrooms in this rest are rightfully ranked among the best accommodation Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+