Tour an Abu Dhabi palace

A portion of Abu Dhabi’s presidential palace, the Qasr Al Watan (Al Ras Al Akdhar; phone +971 600 544 442, www.qasralwatan.ae), opened to visitors in March. The section reflects traditional Arabic architecture, with high domes covered in geometric designs plus floors covered with handmade carpets.

In the palace, visitors can see a collection of diplomatic gifts, the House of Knowledge (housing rare manuscripts and maps) and the Qasr Al Watan library, with over 50,000 books.

Entry to the palace (and gardens) costs AED60 (near $16). A one-hour group tour, in English, can be booked for an extra AED30. A private tour, in English, costs AED600. Open daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.