Al Maqta Museum Reopens in Abu Dhabi After Major Restoration

Located in the iconic Maqta Fort, the museum has been carefully restored by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police. The project forms part of a wider initiative to preserve key historical sites across the emirate.

Originally serving as a customs house and police station guarding the crossing between Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland, Maqta Fort played a crucial role in protecting the capital’s gateway before the construction of Maqta Bridge in the 20th century. The nearby Al Maqta Tower, a defensive structure dating back to the late 18th century, also forms part of the site’s heritage.

The restored museum now features a range of exhibits showcasing Abu Dhabi Police’s early history, including vintage patrol vehicles and uniforms from the 1950s. The restoration efforts have also enhanced the building’s infrastructure, using modern materials to better preserve the fort while maintaining its historical authenticity.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited the reopened museum to view the upgrades and explore the new exhibits, which reflect the transformation of Abu Dhabi from a tribal settlement to a modern global city.

The Al Maqta Museum is now part of the broader Maqta Conservation Area, an initiative aimed at celebrating the blend of old and new across the emirate’s landscape. The museum is open daily, and admission is free for all visitors.