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Qasr Al Muwaiji
Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi
There is an old saying that 'walls have ears'. Imagine what stories the walls of Qasr Al Muwaiji would tell, if they could, from more than 100 years ago. Add this historical stop to your itinerary for a deeper insight into the UAE's intriguing past. Situated in Al Ain, a lush garden city just an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi, you will be amazed as you enter this simple yet striking structure at how the country has evolved from its humble beginnings.
Qasr Al Muwaiji was home to generations of the ruling Al Nahyanfamilyand saw the birth of Sheikh Khalifa, Founder of the UAE, in 1948. Built in the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First (r. 1855-1909) by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa, it later became the home and administrative base for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan when he became the Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region in 1946. His eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was born at Qasr Al Muwaiji two years later, and spent much of his youth there, learning from his father.
During his impressive tenure, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan made many beautiful additions to the fort as it became an even more important place for government discussions, greeting visitors and decision-making. From adding new diwan (a council or seat of governance) buildings and kitchens to expanding the guest accommodations, he even increased the space of the fort's mosque. Why? Because Qasr Al Muwaiji's significance was growing in the community as a place to gather, pray and celebrate. His efforts to take care of the fort led it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
Today, a modern exhibition hall, housed in a beautiful glass-walled space within the courtyard of Qasr Al Muwaiji, tells the story of the fort and its inhabitants, with a focus on His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The exhibition sets out the chronology of the members of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, with a connection to Qasr Al Muwaiji. Above all, it highlights the accomplishments of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, tracing the history of Qasr Al Muwaiji from early archaeological discoveries through to modern-day features, and communicating its role in hosting visiting travellers over the ages.
Take in the variety of historical and traditional information available, including oral narrations of Sheikh Khalifa's life, from his childhood stories to his national achievements as a leader. You can also see how the history of Qasr Al Muwaiji has been retained from early archaeological discoveries to modern-day features today. These gems have kept the UAE's culture and history alive for global travellers and residents.
Occasionally, the now-museum also features interactive activities and performances that celebrate the overall spirit of this cultural site. This solidifies Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision of making Qasr Al Muwaiji a wonderful place to gather and celebrate with the community for decades.
Al Muwaiji Oasis
As one of the smallest oases in Al Ain, the Al Muwaiji Oasis nearby consists of 21,000 palm trees and even has the traditional falaj (ancient irrigation system) still in works. The falaj uses ground-level and underground canals to carry water from the nearby mountains and irrigate the oasis. On your tour, you can also learn why this system, which has stood the test of time, is important to Al Ain and its oases.
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Frequently asked questions about Qasr Al Muwaiji.
Who was born in Qasr Al Muwaiji?
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was born at Qasr Al Muwaiji.
Who built Qasr Al Muwaiji?
Qasr Al Muwaiji was built in the early twentieth century in the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First (r. 1855-1909) and his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
How old is Qasr Al Muwaiji?
Qasr Al Muwaiji is over a 100 years old.
Where did Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan spend his youth?
In his early years, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan used to play in Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and then, later on, spent a lot of his youth in Al Ain.