Qasr Al Hosn the main historic landmark in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi symbolizes the political and historical development of the Emirate and its rulers since its construction in the eighteenth century. The story begins in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi around 1760, when the leader of the Bani Yas tribes, Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Isa built a watchtower to guard the precious water source against raiders. His son, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Dhiyab (1793 - 1816) then transformed the simple tower into an impregnable fort. As Abu Dhabi’s role and status grew in importance and due to the strategic and political changes that required Bani Yas to move to the coast, Sheikh Shakhbut decided to transfer his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oases to the palace known as Qasr al Hosn in the heart of Abu Dhabi Island.

 

Qasr Al Hosn was enlarged and fortified during Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Shakhbut rule (1818 – 1833). During his reign, Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than five thousand inhabitants. The fort was repaired and strengthened during Sheikh Khalifa Bin Shakhbut rule (1833 – 1845); it was regarded as the literal and symbolic seat of power in Abu Dhabi.

 

Sheikh Sa'id Bin Tahnoon (1845 -1855) turned Qasr Al Hosn into an imposing fortress; he used both diplomacy and military might to make Abu Dhabi an increasingly dominant power in the region.

 

Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa (1855-1909) Known as ‘Zayed the Great’, led Abu Dhabi during his rule through a period of great political, military and economic growth which was stimulated by the flourishing pearling industry. Under his leadership, Abu Dhabi became the paramount Emirate on the Gulf coast and Qasr al Hosn was again expanded reflecting this wealth and power. His achievements laid the foundations for the modern nation of the UAE.

 

With the discovery of oil, the pace of change in Abu Dhabi accelerated, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan (1928 – 1966) signed the first oil exploration concessions in the 1930s and created work for many people by improving and enlarging Qasr al Hosn. While his brother, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1966-2004), the founder of the United Arab Emirate charted a vision for the future of his people and led the spectacular transformation in the UAE. Under his visionary leadership, the UAE became a model of stability and progress.

 

Today, His Higness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, lead the march of revitalizing Abu Dhabi and building its advance future with Qasr Al Hosn as its beating heart and living heritage.

 

Qasr Al Hosn will always remain a spiritual symbol for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, combining its history, heritage, and civilization across the ages. It will be a place to honour its people and celebrate the emirate culture and identity.