Travel Plan
Qasr Al Muwaiji

Home UAE Al Ain Qasr Al Muwaiji

ATTRACTION GUIDE · AL AIN

Qasr Al Muwaiji

A square fort where Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE's second president, was born.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free
Best time
Late afternoon
Area
Al Muwaiji

A fort where Sheikh Khalifa was born.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Al Muwaiji, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

  • In Al Ain: In the Al Muwaiji district, about 10 minutes from the centre by taxi.
  • From Abu Dhabi: About 1h30 by car.
  • Parking: Free parking at the site.

The story of Qasr Al Muwaiji

Qasr Al Muwaiji was built in the early 20th century and became the residence of Sheikh Zayed's branch of the family. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, later President of the UAE, was born here in 1948.

Restored and reopened in 2015, it now has a modern glass exhibition pavilion inside its walls that tells the family's story and the history of the area.

Best time to visit

Best season

October to April.

Best time of day

Late afternoon.

Opening

Usually closed on Mondays.

Tips before you go

  • Small but beautifully presented.
  • Combine with Al Jahili Fort and the Palace Museum on an Al Ain heritage day.
  • The courtyard is lovely at golden hour for photos.

Best hotels near Qasr Al Muwaiji

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Al Ain Rotana

Central hotel with gardens and pools.

See prices

Danat Al Ain Resort

Resort hotel with family facilities.

See prices

Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet

Mountain hotel near the summit of Jebel Hafeet.

See prices
All hotels near Qasr Al Muwaiji

What's around Qasr Al Muwaiji

  • Al Jahili Fort10 minutes away.
  • Al Ain OasisPalm oasis in the centre.
  • Al Ain ZooLarge wildlife park on the edge of town.
  • Jebel HafeetThe mountain south of the city.

Questions travellers ask

Who was born at Qasr Al Muwaiji?

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 1948.

Is it free?

Yes, entry is usually free.

How long should I spend?

About an hour.

More in Al Ain

Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort

Read the guide
Al Ain Palace Museum

Al Ain Palace Museum

Read the guide
Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Oasis

Read the guide
Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet

Read the guide
Back to the Al Ain guide
Travel Plan · Qasr Al Muwaiji Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure