Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have officially inaugurated Al Maqta’a Museum through a collaborative initiative which involved the formation of a committee for the museum’s establishment.
The launch follows a full restoration and renovation of the site, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserve, promote and protect its rich and sustainable cultural heritage.
Visitors to Al Maqta’a Museum will have the opportunity to explore key cultural landmarks in the capital, including Al Maqta’a Tower, Al Maqta’a Building, and Al Maqta’a Bridge.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Al Maqta’a Museum tells the story of Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, rooted in centuries of trade, resilience, and community. This historic site stands as a powerful symbol of how the emirate has evolved from a cross-cultural trading post into a thriving modern capital, bridging the past and present. The re-opening of the museum celebrates the legacy of protection and service on Abu Dhabi Island, with particular recognition of the strategic role played by the Abu Dhabi Police in safeguarding this vital location for over half a century. Their continued partnership has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life."
"Today, Al Maqta’a Museum serves as a living link between heritage and modernity, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the emirate’s journey—from early settlement and unification to the dynamic and thriving society we belong to today," he added.
Colonel Pilot Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Head of the Al Maqta’a Museum Project Committee, stated, “Under the guidance of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the museum was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, marking 230 years since the construction of Al Maqta'a Tower. This site, now revived, showcases its historical defensive capabilities in protecting the passage to Abu Dhabi Island."
"The museum presents the historical narrative of the Maqta'a area, starting with the arrival of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan’s horsemen who discovered the island in 1761 while tracking gazelles. This led to the relocation of the capital from Al Dhafra to Abu Dhabi Island in 1793 under Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan," he added.
He said that the museum’s displays include the traditional crossing methods during low tides, the stone causeway ordered by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1953, and the sustainable bridge built by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in 1969. Exhibits also highlight the roles of customs, police, and immigration at Maqta'a, along with artifacts and oral histories recounting the area’s past.
Al Maqta’a Museum is now open to the public throughout the week, inviting visitors to learn more about the historical evolution of the area and explore the museum’s immersive exhibits.
The museum’s outdoor space has also been designed to simulate the chronological development of crossing Al Maqta’a Creek, from early tidal crossings to the construction of the stone causeway and the first and second phases of the bridge.
