The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the UAE’s second largest city with a population of around 900,000. The city which is the country’s political, economic and industrial hub is a sprawling metropolis and has seen a phenomenal growth during the past decade or so. Tourism plays a big role in Abu Dhabi and the city’s many interesting sites as well the shopping scene attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Among the many interesting historical tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Al Hosn Palace takes centre stage. Also known as the ‘White Fort’ or ‘Old Fort’, the Al Hosn Palace is in fact Abu Dhabi’s oldest building that still stands today. It was originally built over 200 years ago by Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Zayed Al Nahyan when the seat of government was shifted to Abu Dhabi in 1793.

The Al Hosn Palace is located on Sheikh Zayed the First Street on the same premises as the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation which hosts the Documentation and Research Center. The palace itself is separated in to 2 main sections. The Old Fort showcases the original structure dating back to Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan the ruler of the city from 1845 to 1855. The second section consists of the part of the palace which was added on in 1936 by Sheikh Shakhboot. The Al Hosn Palace is indeed an excellent location for tourists to catch a glimpse of the rich history the city of Abu Dhabi boasts of.

Located in the Qaryat Al Beri complex, the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi consists of elegantly furnished residences and deluxe private villas. This stunningly unique Abu Dhabi hotel offers a variety of high-tech services and facilities which help travellers to have a totally unforgettable stay here. A spa, 2 gymnasiums, swimming pool, a yoga room and plenty of dining and wining options make the property one of the most sought after hotels in Abu Dhabi.