Qasr Al Watan named among world’s top 100 travel attractions for 2026
Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan has been recognised as one of the world’s top 100 attractions and travel experiences for 2026, earning a place in global and Asian rankings published by Trip.com.
The landmark was included in both the Trip.Best Top 100 Global Attractions and Experiences list and the platform’s ranking of the top 100 attractions in Asia. The selections were based on visitor reviews and performance indicators. Qasr Al Watan currently holds a score of 8.4, supported by more than 1,000 reviews.
Inside Abu Dhabi’s Palace of the Nation
Qasr Al Watan, which translates as “Palace of the Nation,” opened to the public in 2019 and forms part of Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace complex in Ras Al Akhdar.
The palace gives visitors a closer look at the UAE’s political, cultural and architectural heritage while continuing to serve as an important setting for official meetings and state occasions.
At the centre of the visitor experience is the Great Hall, a 100-square-metre space featuring detailed Arabian design and a central dome measuring 37 metres in diameter. The dome is larger than the main dome of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Nearby, Al Barza reflects the traditional role of the majlis as a place for discussion, consultation and community gatherings. The room can accommodate up to 300 guests, making it the palace’s second-largest space.
A palace shaped by diplomacy and heritage
Visitors can also enter the Spirit of Collaboration chamber, where meetings involving the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council have been held.
One of the room’s most striking features is an elaborate chandelier created from approximately 350,000 crystal pieces.
The Presidential Gifts exhibition presents objects given to UAE leaders by visiting dignitaries and international delegations. Previous displays have included carpets from Turkmenistan, Japanese armour, a sword and shield from Kazakhstan and a traditional khanjar from Oman.
Another section, the Presidential Banquet hall, offers insight into the customs and protocols surrounding official hospitality. Its collection includes more than 100,000 pieces of serviceware.
Art, literature and Emirati identity
Qasr Al Watan is also home to Power of Words, a series of three sculptures by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej. Inspired by words attributed to the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the artworks include one gold sculpture near the Great Hall and two silver pieces in the palace gardens.
The palace library contains more than 50,000 books and other works exploring the region’s political, literary and academic heritage. Visitors can also access self-guided multimedia tours in Arabic, English, German, Russian and Chinese.
Over the years, Qasr Al Watan has welcomed international leaders and dignitaries including Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the late Pope Francis.
Its latest recognition places the palace alongside some of the world’s most notable visitor attractions and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination where architecture, diplomacy, culture and tourism come together.
