Qasr Al Hosn Fort

between the wars, rich oilfields were discovered in the Gulfand in 1939 Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan signed a concession for a geological survey and exploration for oil in the Trucial States. With the revenue from this concession, the Sheikh began a major development programme, building a
new fort around the old that included private rooms for the ruling family in its southern and eastern wings. After (Former President) the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace) became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, the ruling family moved out of Qasr al Hosn Palace and it became a solely administrative centre until the 1990s. Sheikh Zayed ordered a renovation of the building between 1976 and 1985, during which the internal gardens were significantly altered to incorporate pavements, fountains and lanterns. Once the main landmark of the city, clearly visible from a
distance, Qasr al Hosn remains the most important historic monument in Abu Dhabi. The palace is currently undergoing an ambitious programme of conservation that is scheduled for completion in 2011, when the site will be fully accessible to visitors as the nation’s prime memorial.