Tourists coming to Al Ain can enjoy the abundance of green vegetation along with historical heritage places across the city. Forts, museums, and villages can be spotted here in plenty, along with ancient mosques and prayer halls along the way. Visitors come to Al Ain to learn about the rich cultural diversity and the gorgeous history of the early Emirati lifestyle here.
One important place to check around Al Ain is the Qasr Al Muwaiji, regarded as an ancient site here at the location. Let us look down below at the various features of Qasr Al Muwaiji, along with the activities to cherish around the destination.
History of Qasr Al Muwaiji
The Qasr Al Muwaiji was considered the generational residence of the Al Nahyan family and was also the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The building is itself a 100-year-old testimony that showcases various belongings and utilities of the ruling family here. The place also saw an evolution in prosperity, which changed the lives of countless Emiratis over the years.
The building was built by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa and was utilized for government aspects throughout. Around 1946, the building became the stronghold of the Al Nahyan family, and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was appointed ruler of Al Ain. This was when the building was looked upon as the highest seat in Al Ain, which has diwans, majlis, prayer halls, and guest rooms for visitors. The fort was later got abandoned in 1966, when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the ruler and migrated to the capital of the UAE with Sheikh Khalifa.
Restoration Works
Numerous restoration works have been concluded throughout its construction, which saw the enlargement of the rooms, prayer halls, diwans, kitchens, and more. The first renovation started in 1970 with the help of engineers, architects, historians, and designers to keep the original outlook intact here.
Excavation Sites
Over the years, the Qasr Al Muwaiji rose to fame with the last phase of renovation work in 2009. Large-scale excavation work was also carried out across the location, which suggested cultivation patches belonging to the 18th century. Various remains were also unearthed that depicted the distinct phases of the fort’s construction. In 2012, the place was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Things to do across the Qasr Al Muwaiji
There are several important things to do around the Qasr Al Muwaiji location, and the popular ones are presented below for the readers.
1. The Life of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
The Qasr Al Muwaiji serves as the perfect place to explore the life works of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and his belongings. Various furniture sets, photographs, tools, and utilities can be checked around the exhibits here at the building premises.
2. Immerse yourself in the history of the UAE
Visitors coming to this placecan check out the history of the place and learn about the rich cultural and traditional values of the Emirati land here. The place also reflects the evolution of the UAE over the years around the grand exhibits here.
3. Glance at the architectural wonder
Another important thing to enjoy around the Qasr Al Muwaiji building is the architectural feat along with the construction works completed around the place. The beautiful design of the rooms, along with the intricate ceiling work, is a must-watch here on the building premises.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit here is during the winter months. The temperature and the ambiance remain soothing, so enjoy a tour of the place and cherish the admirable sights here. Summers get searingly hot around the premises, so daytime tours should be avoided during this time.
Nearby Places to Visit
The 5 popular places near Qasr Al Muwaiji are as follows:
- Al-Basra Park
- Al-Ain City Center
- Souq al-Qattara
- Al-Jahili Fort
- Towayya Park
How to Reach Qasr Al Muwaiji
This place is located around the Al Ain City Center and can be reached using private and public transportation services. The place is also 130 kilometers away from Dubai, making it an ideal tourist destination for visitors here.
FAQs
No such entry fee is needed to visit this place.
On-site parking facilities are available for visitors across this place.
It takes around 1 hour to take a tour of the premises here.
Yes, outside food and drinks are allowed within the premises.
In a Nutshell
To end with, these are the top details of the Qasr Al Muwaiji, along with the vibrant activities to enjoy across the location. Visitors can book their tours with reliable tour operators here while cherishing the gorgeous location with friends and families.
