«Boards of Qasr al-Hosn» a witness to the history of the Shura in the UAE

Al Hosn Palace has many pages that tell stories from the history of Abu Dhabi, from its inception to its transformation into a modern city. The fortifications documented by Al-Hosn Palace are numerous in the number of jobs that the place has played in the history of the emirate. It started a fortress to protect its inhabitants, and then became a center of government and a residence for the ruler and his family. Over the course of its long years, the fort embraced the "Ruler's Council" which served as a channel for communication between the ruler and his people, a forum for consultation and discussion of issues related to governance, and the Governor received guests from different nationalities. Visitors to the Al Hosn area in Abu Dhabi can learn about the history of the Ruler's Council from the era of Sheikh Zayed Al-Kabeer and the establishment of the Federal National Council with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Zayed Grand Council

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Council, known as Sheikh Zayed I, founded by Sheikh Zayed, has succeeded in eradicating the unrest, uniting the tribes and strengthening Abu Dhabi's status as a center of gravity on the Gulf coast and laying the foundation for governance. The council hosted regular meetings chaired by Sheikh Zayed himself. He was also keen to meet people in his council, which was open to all, and has always been frequented by people to listen to their demands and inspect their conditions and separate their disputes. The Council was also a place for exchanging news, stories and poetry.

The importance of the Ruler's Council in the society has attracted the attention of travelers and visitors of the region of various nationalities throughout the ages, and some of them keen to be embodied in photographs or paintings, perhaps the most famous image that dates back to 1904, one of the first photographs taken of the fortress, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa, sitting on a high platform, and near him a group of men outside the outer wall of the fort.

Sheikh Shakhbout Council

Between 1928 and 1966, the reign of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan, son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and Sheikha Salama bint Butti Al Qubaisi. The construction of the outer palace in the 1940s marked the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the fort. Sheikh Shakhbut strengthened regional and international relations and supervised the administration of the emirate. The Council of Sheikh Shakhbut was defined as an integral part of the daily life of the local community in Al-Hosn Palace. It witnessed the discussion of the public and private affairs of the people, in which public social issues were raised and it was open to all. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan met with dignitaries, tribal leaders, foreign diplomatic and economic figures and men from all walks of life. He also reconciled people, resolved disputes, discussed important decisions with his advisors, instructed officials, and at his informal meetings ; The Council attracted guests who narrated stories and threw poetry.

Etiquette of the Council

The Sheikh Shakhbout board had a certain style of hospitality. One of the guards led the guests to the council. The guest greeted him warmly. He was invited to sit and coffee was served. The most important and older guest had the privilege of sitting at the right of the Sheikh who was keen. Turn to talk to all his guests, and ask them about their situation and tell them in detail.

National Advisory Council

With the passing of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, reigning in Abu Dhabi in 1966, further improvements were made to Al Hosn Palace. In 1968, the National Consultative Council was built outside the walls of the fort, the place where Sheikh Zayed first held its first council. Sheikh Zayed intended to have this council as his own council, and he thought it would be appropriate for the National Consultative Council, Talk to the Council. Subsequently, the Council became a venue for important historical events after the formation of the Union on December 2, 1971, where it hosted the first meetings of the Federal National Council.

Salama Bent Butti Council

In addition to the Ruler's Council, Al-Hosn witnessed other councils, including the Women's Council, where she hosted Sheikha Salama bint Butti, the women's council in one of the rooms surrounding her private room, which included the elite of the community's women at that time, both Emirati and other female visitors. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan described women as half of the society, emphasizing their important role, a description of the palace's fortunes, where the family and community members came to seek advice from these women who knew their wisdom and paid their opinions.

Began a fortress to protect its inhabitants, and then turned into a center of government and the residence of the ruler and his family, and then the seat of government to run the affairs of the country.