Discover the opulence and grandeur of royal living in the United Arab Emirates with these five stunning palaces you can actually visit. Each palace offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich heritage, architectural brilliance, and vibrant culture, providing an unforgettable experience for travelers and locals alike. Whether you’re drawn to majestic structures, historical significance, or captivating stories, the palaces in the UAE provide a chance to immerse yourself in a royal atmosphere.
Qasr Al Watan – Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2019, Qasr Al Watan, translating to ‘Palace of the Nation,’ stands as a cultural landmark within the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. This working palace hosts official state functions and showcases breathtaking Arabian architecture. The exterior, adorned in white and gold, is just the beginning; inside, visitors marvel at one of the largest domes worldwide, measuring 37 meters in diameter. The palace features a grand library, an opulent Presidential banquet hall for state dinners, and a collection of historic artifacts and manuscripts. Don’t miss the Palace in Motion light and sound show at sunset, making Qasr Al Watan one of our top picks among the palaces in the UAE.
PS. Notably, this palace was a key destination during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE.
Qasr Al Watan, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, open daily from 11am to 6:30pm, Dhs65 for adults, Dhs30 for children under 17. For more details, call Tel: (600) 544 442 or visit qasralwatan.ae.
Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Palace hotel, built with a staggering investment of 3 billion dollars, is designed to host dignitaries and celebrities. Its stunning Islamic architecture, complemented by lush water features and palm trees, reflects the city’s rich traditions. Inside, the palace boasts a magnificent dome filled with intricate geometric patterns and 114 smaller domes. A private one-hour guided tour is available for Dhs150, providing access to the stunning dome, the luxurious Palace Suite, and the glittering Etihad Ballroom (availability permitting), along with a complimentary signature food and beverage. Book the tour here.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, costs Dhs150 for the tour. For bookings, call Tel: (0)2 690 9000 or visit mandarinoriental.com.
Al Qassimi Palace – Ras Al Khaimah
While its appearance may differ from other palaces in the UAE, the Al Qassimi Palace in Ras Al Khaimah is a destination worth exploring. Established in 1985, rumors swirl around the property—its former inhabitants left after just one night, claiming it was haunted. Now, after years of being closed off, Al Qassimi Palace, also known as Al Qasr Al Gamedh, has opened its doors to the public.
This four-story palace features 35 rooms adorned with marble floors, glass chandeliers, and eclectic artworks, including a room topped with a large pyramid structure, adding to its enigmatic allure. Keep in mind that photography is prohibited within the palace. Entry tickets are priced at Dhs75 for individuals or Dhs50 per person for families and groups.
Al Qassimi Palace, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road, Ras Al Khaimah, open daily from 9am to 7pm. For inquiries, call Tel: (052) 828 2222, or learn more at visitrasalkhaimah.com.
Zabeel Palace
While access to Zabeel Palace is restricted primarily to invited guests, it remains an iconic structure in Dubai worthy of admiration from a distance. Surrounded by lush gardens, the palace faces Zabeel Park, providing a scenic backdrop for pictures, with the Dubai Frame visible in the vicinity. As one of the residences of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, it’s clear that security is a top priority here.
Zabeel Palace is located in the District of Zabeel, Dubai.
Al Ain Palace Museum – Al Ain
Diverging from the opulent aesthetics of other palaces in the UAE, the Al Ain Palace Museum—also called Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum—offers a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and culture. Serving as the former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, this palace was constructed in 1937 and later transformed into a museum.
The building exemplifies environmentally friendly construction using clay and plaster stone, echoing many historical structures in the UAE. Admission is free, making it an accessible landmark for all.
Al Ain Palace Museum, located in the Al Jahili area on Hessa bint Mohamed Street next to Al Ain Oasis, is closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30am to 7:30pm, and Friday from 3pm to 7:30pm. For inquiries, call Tel: (03) 711 8388 or visit visitAbuDhabi.ae.