Day 8 (2019)

10.4.2019

At a sweltering +46 degrees, today is another chill day at the pool and in the beautifully air-conditioned house.

Since today is - Friday - the weekend in the UAE (here the weekend is Friday & Saturday), we will take a family outing with all the kids in the evening.

This year, Qasr Al Watan, the “Palace of the Nation” (Presidential Palace), has opened its doors to the public. We definitely want to check it out. The Grand Mosque was truly impressive. We are curious to see what a presidential palace has to offer.

The palace, built between 2010 and 2017, is a tribute to Arab-Islamic architecture. It captivates with white marble cladding, ornate domes, and spacious interiors featuring detailed mosaics, Arabic arches, and enormous chandeliers.

Even from outside, the palace makes a statement.

The central hall is the heart of the palace - a true masterpiece. We don’t even know where to look first. Marble, gold, chandeliers everywhere, and everything is sparkling clean.

The highlight is the 'golden egg'. I don’t know exactly what it represents, but it definitely looks amazing.

Also impressive is the vast library (House of Knowledge), where the knowledge and traditions of the UAE are documented.

The palace hosts a variety of exhibitions that highlight the history, culture, and governance of the UAE.

A further highlight is the 'Palace in Motion' light show that takes place after sunset, transforming the façade of the palace into a canvas with a light and sound show that narrates the history of the UAE in three acts.

Highly recommended - we really enjoyed it and with an entry fee of €13, it’s a real bargain!