As part of the visit to UAE, HM The Queen and delegation visited the Qasr Al Hosn on 3 November 2023. The Qasr al-Hosn - "Fortified Palace" is a historical landmark and the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. It was constructed in 1761 as a conical watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi. The tower was later expanded into a small fort in 1793 by the then-ruler, HH Shakhbout bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan, and became the permanent residence of the ruling Sheikh.
The Qasr al-Hosn is currently the subject of extensive historical, archaeological, and architectural research. The fort houses a museum displaying artifacts and pictures representing the history of the country. It also has a range of weapons, used throughout the region's history, on display. During the visit, HM The Queen was briefed on the historical events of the UAE and the function of Qasr Al Hosn.
