For kids, summers are synonymous with family vacations, playdates, binge-watching, and simply lazing around. Learning is often far from their minds.
However, summer is an excellent opportunity for kids to continue learning outside the classroom. Allowing your children to engage in educational activities during their holiday helps them avoid the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where children lose some of the knowledge they gained in school.
These educational activities can include bringing them to museums, having them join science camps and cultural excursions, and taking them to the best libraries in Abu Dhabi.
By including the right learning activities in your children’s summer plans, you can ensure they have fun and return to school refreshed and ready after their break.
Why Qasr Al Watan Is a Great Destination for Kids
Qasr Al Watan, which means “The Palace of the Nation” in English, is the United Arab Emirates presidential palace. It is located in the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace grounds and offers guests over 80,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor attractions to explore.
Qasr Al Watan is one of the best places to visit with your kids this summer because of the following reasons:
1. It is an architectural marvel.
Qasr Al Watan is known for its stunning architecture that seamlessly blends traditional Arabian craftsmanship with modern design. Its grand halls, intricate mosaics, and gardens are all well-designed and equally beautiful, impressing guests of all ages.
The palace boasts decorations made of premium gems, high-quality marble, and hundreds of pounds of gold. As such, it’s one of the most majestic buildings you and your children will see in your life.
The Great Hall, which is the architectural highlight of the palace and the starting point of the tour, is a sight to behold. It features eye-catching high arches, gold-plated walls, and intricate patterns.
You will also find a massive, elegant chandelier, which is made up of thousands of crystals and weighs over eight tons, in the middle of the Great Hall.
Whether you’re inside or outside the palace, you and your kids will find this cultural landmark an impressive marvel to behold.
2. It is a house of knowledge and learning.
One of the palace’s most popular zones is the Qasr Al Watan Library, which houses around 50,000 books from different eras of Arabian scholarship. It also has a massive collection of documents, research articles, newspapers, magazines, and other valuable literary resources covering various subjects and topics.
The library’s collection of books and reading materials makes it one of the popular destinations included in many school programs.
The House of Knowledge is another zone that gives guests the opportunity to broaden their familiarity and understanding of the UAE’s and Middle East’s rich history and heritage. It features rare books, manuscripts, and other artifacts showcasing the accomplishments of renowned Islamic scholars and scientists.
You and your little ones will be fascinated by the displays of historical calligraphy artworks. You can also read inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from well-known local thinkers, such as Ibn Sina and Al-Farabi.
The valuable collection and fascinating displays showcase the region’s most significant contributions to art, astronomy, literature, science and more.
3. It offers cultural insights.
Qasr Al Watan's different zones give guests a deeper look into the UAE’s traditions, values, and governing institutions. The exhibits also showcase the country's history, contributions to various fields, and vision for the future.
The Presidential Gifts Hall houses a collection of diplomatic gifts from various dignitaries to the UAE. The exhibit shows the generosity and respect between the country and other nations, as well as their unique history, art, and culture.
The Presidential Gifts Hall also allows guests to learn about the rules local officials must follow when choosing, giving, and receiving diplomatic gifts.
The Presidential Banquet Hall, which is the palace’s official dining area, enables you and your little ones to learn more about the country’s interesting culture. While here, you’ll learn about the customs and etiquette the local officials and staff observe when they receive and serve guests. This zone also gives you an idea of the cuisine typically presented here.
These zones can give your children a clearer picture of the UAE’s fascinating culture, diplomatic practices, and hospitality.
4. It combines having fun and learning.
With its educational exhibits, beautiful surroundings, and engaging activities, Qasr Al Watan is the perfect destination for families.
The exhibits cover topics such as the UAE’s history, the formation of the federation, and the country’s achievements, providing an enriching experience for children and adults.
Its light and sound show, Palace in Motion, is a must-see spectacle that narrates the story of the UAE’s past, present, and future through captivating visuals and music. This attraction won’t fail to captivate your little ones while learning more about the country’s culture and history.
If you and your kids feel hungry or thirsty during your visit, you can indulge in snacks and beverages from Diyafa, which you can find at the palace and visitors center’s exits. You can also drop by the on-site gift shop to bring home souvenirs featuring the UAE’s incredible art and cultural heritage.
Qasr Al Watan’s different zones, exhibits, and attractions provide guests with the perfect balance of fun and learning, making it the ideal place for you and your children to visit this summer.
