His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the reopening of Al Maqta Museum, which has been rehabilitated through a joint initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Police to further preserve the cultural heritage of the emirate.
His Highness was briefed on key stages of the restoration and rehabilitation, and toured the museum’s sections and facilities. His Highness also viewed historical exhibits used by Abu Dhabi Police since its inception, including vintage uniforms and patrol vehicles.
During the tour, His Highness praised the huge efforts of the relevant entities to preserve historical landmarks that have become national symbols in showcasing the cultural and heritage legacy of the UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular. His Highness highlighted the importance of documenting and protecting the national heritage to help current and future generations appreciate its historical and symbolic significance, and to instil a strong sense of Emirati identity in the nation's youth.
The museum is located within Maqta Fort, at the heart of the Maqta Conservation Area, which includes historic buildings and structures that reflect the various stages of Abu Dhabi’s urban development. In the 1950s, the museum’s current building served as a customs house and police station, playing a key role in monitoring movement between the mainland and Abu Dhabi Island, prior to the construction of Maqta Bridge, the first bridge to connect the island to surrounding areas. The bridge complemented the role of Maqta Tower, the first fort built to guard the waterway crossing. The tower still stands tall today in the middle of Khor Al Maqta, marking the site of the first defensive structure securing the channel.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder's Office at the Presidential Court, underscored that the reopening of Maqta Museum, following its comprehensive renovation, reflects the vision of the leadership to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and historical landmarks, ensuring they stand as enduring symbols of the wisdom of past generations and the country’s deep-rooted human and intellectual values.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan added: “The museum stands as an important cultural landmark, narrating the story of a rich heritage that has shaped this land. The museum reopening marks a valuable addition to the UAE’s vibrant cultural and tourism landscape. As a testament to Abu Dhabi’s remarkable journey, from a thriving trading hub to a modern capital with ambitious aspirations, it highlights the emirate’s progress while remaining deeply connected to its roots and history.”
The renovated museum highlights the efforts of DCT Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Police in showcasing and promoting the historical significance of the site to the community and visitors alike. The rehabilitation project encompassed restoration of the building and enhancement of the museum’s interpretive content. For the first time, plaster was replaced with a more homogeneous and durable material, closely resembling the original finish.
The museum has a rich history deeply connected to the protection and development of Abu Dhabi Island. As early as 1761, Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan, then Sheikh of the Bani Yas tribe from the inland Liwa Oasis, made frequent visits to Abu Dhabi Island. As the island grew, it was important to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s defences. Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan oversaw construction of Al Maqta Tower in the late 18th century, to protect the Maqta Crossing between Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland.
The tower, which still stands in the middle of the khor, was conserved by DCT Abu Dhabi in 2022 to address the recurring damage caused by exposure to the marine environment. Until the 1950s, the tower signalled arrival to Abu Dhabi Island for wayfarers and guarded the crossing and marked the gateway to the city.
A causeway was built in the late 1950s linking the mainland to Abu Dhabi Island, and a police station was constructed on the mainland to monitor traffic on the crossing. This building later became a customs headquarters, operating until the unification of the UAE in 1971, after which goods were no longer required to be checked at the border to Abu Dhabi Island. Renamed Al Maqta Fort, the building underwent major restoration in 2002 and was transformed into a museum to celebrate its historic importance.
