Abu Dhabi’s ‘symbolic birthplace’ to get historic makeover by 2018
abu dhabi — Qasr Al Hosn, the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi is expected to open to the public next year after completion of the renovation work currently underway, it has been announced.
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) on Wednesday unveiled the master plan of the Qasr Al Hosn project that features the conservation of the site and National Consultative Council and the preservation of the Cultural Foundation buildings, which will be completed in 2018.
“The latest phases of construction work started this month and will continue for a year,” said Mark Powell Kyffin, Head of Architecture in the Projects Department at TCAAbu Dhabi. “Qasr Al Hosn will be completely renovated and conserved to preserve its rich historic value and transform it into a tourism and cultural destination at the heart of Abu Dhabi.”
He noted that the site is on 400 square metres and will become a cultural park-scape, landscaped with indigenous plants and trees including ghaf and palms trees. “A new technology-scaled down ‘animated peppers ghost’ has been introduced at the site and will show animated pictures of real people inside the site. This is new and unique thing,” said Kyffin.
Officials noted that the annual Qasr Al Hosn festival has however been cancelled for this year because of the heavy construction work, to ensure timely completion of the project.
However, people wanting to know more about Abu Dhabi or curious about the UAE culture, traditions and history, can head over to the city’s oldest building Qasr Al Hosn for the exhibition, which officially opened on Wednesday.
Strolling through the various zones of this lasting cultural icon, Qasr Al Hosn Exhibition presents a rich collection of oral testimonies, historical photographs, and other materials including spears, swords, riffles and ammunition, wooden well pulleys, agricultural
Qasr Al Hosn will be completely renovated and conserved to preserve its rich historic value and transform it into a tourism and cultural destination at the heart of Abu Dhabi.” Mark Powell Kyffin, Head of Architecture, Projects Department at TCA-Abu Dhabi
tools, glazed jars and bells, mats and baskets that highlight the region’s history, and the vital role of Qasr Al Hosn within Abu Dhabi as a beacon of heritage, culture, and Emirati tradition.
The newly renovated cultural destination underpins the everlasting vision of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, and his invaluable initiatives to integrate culture into the Abu Dhabi identity.
His vision inspired the concept behind the new design of the exhibition as an active hub for education, culture, and entertainment, as well as a window through time that presents both a rich history and a bright future. The exhibition includes nine zones that collectively narrate the 450-year old story of Abu Dhabi, from its establishment to the present.
The free exhibition is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.
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