What Should You Know Before Visiting Qasr Al Watan?
Prepare your clothing, bags, camera equipment, and accessibility arrangements with one practical reference.
Before You Visit
- Wear respectful clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Bring as little as possible for screening.
- Confirm current operating information with the official attraction before departure.
Dress Code and Respectful Attire
Clothing must cover both knees and shoulders. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and see-through garments are not allowed.
Wear comfortable shoes; flip-flops and overly casual footwear are not allowed. Remain mindful of local traditions and dress respectfully to help maintain the dignity and beauty of Qasr Al Watan.
Security Screening and Bag Size
You and your belongings will undergo airport-style security screening on arrival. Bags or cases larger than 500(W) x 350(H) (mm) will not be admitted, and visitors with oversized bags may be refused entry.
There are no cloakroom or locker facilities. Leave excess belongings at home or in your vehicle.
Preparing for the Security Arch
- Remove all metal objects from your pockets.
- Place cameras, phones, keys, and wallets in your bag before it enters the scanner.
- Approach a security guard if you have concerns or need assistance.
Handbags, hearing aids, and electrical or electronic equipment needed for health reasons may be carried.
Prohibited Items
- Food and beverages, except bottled water
- Alcohol
- Paints and aerosols
- Penknives and knives of any kind
- Scissors
- CS gas, tear gas, or any weapon
- Long umbrellas
- Bicycles and folding bikes
- Roller-skates and skateboards
- Pets or animals
- Large bags that cannot fit through airport-style scanners
- Tripods
Photography and Filming Rules
Non-commercial photography and filming are encouraged where permitted, but wearable recording devices are excluded inside the Palace and Palace grounds.
Do not photograph or film security personnel or security systems. For commercial photography and filming access, contact [email protected] directly.
Camera Supports and Restricted Areas
Published visitor information lists tripods as prohibited and also refers to a maximum support height of 15 inches; single-leg supports are not allowed.
Supports must not be used to film or photograph rear palace areas, during state visits, or within the 100*100 meters Great Hall area. Confirm the current rule before bringing equipment.
Sharing Personal Photographs
When sharing permitted personal photographs, visitors may use #QasrAlWatanTour on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This does not replace permission for commercial work.
Traditional Emirati Clothing Photography Experience
Women’s clothing options are Abayah, jalabiya, burqa, and arabic jewellery. Men’s options are Kandoora and bischt. Different photo options are available.
| Photography option | Price |
|---|---|
| Photographs around the palace | AED 250 |
| Photographs outside the palace | AED 350 |
Accessibility and Rental Services
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Stroller rental | AED 20 |
| Wheelchair use | Free of Charge |
Leave excess belongings at home or in your vehicle because no lockers or cloakrooms are available.
Guest Facilities
Restrooms are available throughout the Visitor Centre, Ceremonial Gate, and Palace. Prayer Rooms in both Visitor Center and Zayed gate are open during operational hours.
A First Aid room is located inside the Palace.
Phones, Internet, and Smoking
Switch mobile phones to silent. Wi-Fi is not available throughout the Palace grounds.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is allowed only in the designated area outside the Visitor Centre. Visitors smoking inside the Visitor Centre, Palace, grounds, or another non-designated area may be asked to leave.
Food Outlet Status
Dhiyafat Qasr Al Watan in the main Palace and Maqha Al Maktaba within Qasr Al Watan Library are temporarily closed. Legma is open as a grab-and-go outlet.
This is temporary information; verify it before traveling.
Final Visitor Checklist
- Clothing covers shoulders and knees.
- Your bag is within 500(W) x 350(H) (mm) and contains no prohibited items.
- Current access, outlet, and photography information has been confirmed.