Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, holding the city’s first permanent structure; the watchtower. Built around the 1790’s, the commanding structure overlooked the costal trade routes and protected the growing
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"Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, holding the city’s first permanent structure; the watchtower. Built around the 1790’s, the commanding structure overlooked the costal trade routes and protected the growing settlement established on the island. Over the centuries, Qasr Al Hosn has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council and a national archive; it now stands as the nation’s living memorial and the narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history. Transformed into a museum in 2018 following more than eleven years of intensive conservation and restoration work."
1761-1795
With the islands rich natural resources and surrounding shallow waters, Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Isa – Sheikh of the Bani Yas tribe from the inland Liwa Oasis – ordered for the watchtower to be constructed of coral and sea stone. Designed to naturally withstand the land’s harsh climates, as it overlooked and controlled coastal access to the island – whilst simultaneously protecting the bourgeoning community that was growing around it.
Did you know? The water found on Abu Dhabi was not a single well, but shallow pools known as “scrapes”.
