See All

Take a closer look at the crafts that have been a part of Emirati culture for centuries. In Abu Dhabi, you'll find special spots to watch crafts being made and even purchase some for yourself to keep as momentos or give to family as gifts.

Stay in Abu Dhabi city for your day and visit iconic locations like Qasr Al Hosn, the House of Artisans and so much more with short car journeys in between.

Highlights

Transport

Car

Distance

4 Hours

Highlights

Transport

Car

Distance

4 Hours

What to expect

Day 1 highlights

Start your handicraft tour at Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi. There, you'll find House of Artisans, a centre to see live craftwork and chances to get involved yourself and create!

Be sure to visit the Cultural Foundation, a hub for artistic exhibitions and performances. Visitors can sign up for a variety of art workshops made for children and adults. Keep the kids busy at the Children's Library a myriad of books to explore or let them learn and engage in multiple fun activities.

Finally, head to The Souk at the World Trade Centre for a walk around traditional stores and have lunch or dinner at one of their restaurants.

Qasr Al Hosn

Stop 1

Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Recommended Time: 1 hour

In a city like Abu Dhabi, where things are constantly evolving, there are some parts where time almost stands still. Qasr Al Hosn is one of them. The city's oldest stone building is a commanding figure surrounded by the emirate's skyline - a beautiful contrast between old and new.

Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi was built in the 1790s and was once home to the ruling family. The building also housed the National Consultative Council, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE. Transformed into a museum in 2018 after a decade's worth of intensive conservation and very delicate restorative work, walking into the Al Hosn fort is like stepping into a time capsule. Qasr Al Hosn is located on Sheikh Rasid Bin Saaed Al Maktoum Street, roughly 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport

 

Read More

Stop 2

Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Recommended time: 1 hour

If you’re looking to soak up some heritage and history when you visit Abu Dhabi, then a trip to House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn is an absolute must.

House of Artisans – a centre that promotes the preservation of the UAE’s rich heritage and crafts created from the land’s natural resources – the desert, the oases, the coast and the sea. The skills of these crafts have been passed down through many generations, and House of Artisans offers training courses, educational workshops and other events to keep these important traditions alive.

Visitors to House of Artisans Abu Dhabi are able to purchase mementoes as well as witness centuries-old skills in action such as Sadu, Khoos and Talli.

The heritage of Abu Dhabi and these traditional, centuries-old skills, is exquisitely showcased and respected at House of Artisans – a must-visit on your next Abu Dhabi trip.

Read More

Stop 3

Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Recommended time: 1 hour

In 1971 the UAE was born, and with it, a new cultural vision. From the very beginning, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the founder of the UAE, endearingly named Father of the Nation – wanted to engage the country in cross-cultural dialogue with the wider international community. 

Read More

Stop 4

Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi

1hrs

Once an old Central Market, the World Trade Center Mall is now a fully integrated, mixed-use destination that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. This vibrant hub offers a unique shopping experience in Abu Dhabi, combining the charm of a traditional souk with the convenience of a contemporary mall as well as offices and residences.

Read More
Stop 1

Qasr Al Hosn

Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Recommended Time: 1 hour

In a city like Abu Dhabi, where things are constantly evolving, there are some parts where time almost stands still. Qasr Al Hosn is one of them. The city's oldest stone building is a commanding figure surrounded by the emirate's skyline - a beautiful contrast between old and new.

Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi was built in the 1790s and was once home to the ruling family. The building also housed the National Consultative Council, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE. Transformed into a museum in 2018 after a decade's worth of intensive conservation and very delicate restorative work, walking into the Al Hosn fort is like stepping into a time capsule. Qasr Al Hosn is located on Sheikh Rasid Bin Saaed Al Maktoum Street, roughly 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport

 

Read More