Conservation progress at qasr al hosn to be unveiled at annual festival in the cultural heart of abu dhabi

02 Feb, 2016

Qasr Al Hosn, which has stood as the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi and home to the ruling Al Nahyan family, continues to undergo a comprehensive conservation programme of preservation, restoration and rehabilitation for the appreciation of future generations. The 2016 Qasr Al Hosn Festival will celebrate the site’s draw as a community hub, the Fort’s status as a historic monument, the Cultural Foundation Building as modern heritage, whilst honouring the UAE’s founders and their visionary leadership.

Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the Qasr Al Hosn Festival, which runs from February 3 to 13, illustrates the enduring legacy of Emirati heritage and identity, and showcases the on-going conservation of Qasr Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation which are essential to reinstating Qasr Al Hosn as the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi.

Visitors to this year’s Qasr Al Hosn Festival will be rewarded with a different glimpse into the meticulous on-going conservation works that are revealing the building’s rich and intricate history.

Mark Kyffin, Head of Architecture for TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “Significant conservation works are currently being undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of experts. This year, visitors will see major changes to the appearance of Qasr Al Hosn: as more of the 1980s render on the Outer Palace is removed, visitors will be able to appreciate more of the exposed authentic historic fabric and view the restoration of the façades underway. The aim is to balance traditional materials and modern technologies to reinstate the 1939 to 1945 appearance of the Palace.”

In parallel, renovation works are also being undertaken to the Cultural Foundation Building.

Amel Chabbi, Building Conservator, TCA Abu Dhabi’s Historic Environment Department, said: “The antiquated mechanical and electrical equipment is being carefully removed along with other obsolete building services to modernise the Cultural Foundation building’s function whilst retaining its charm and character. These works are in line with the recently completed conservation management plan.”

A hard-hat guided tour will afford this year’s festival visitors a glimpse of the building under renovation and festival visitors will be able to embark on an immersive Fort experience accompanied by a comprehensive narrative chronicling the Fort’s ongoing conservation process.

Press Release