Al Maqta Museum…a cultural edifice that chronicles the history of cultural transformations in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 11 January / WAM / Al Maqta Museum is one of the most prominent historical and cultural landmarks in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi because of the national value it holds that tells chapters of its history. The museum is located inside Al Maqta Fort, in the heart of the protected area that includes historical buildings and facilities that reflect multiple stages of the emirate’s development.

Abdul Aziz Nasser Al Mansouri, Director of Al Maqta Museum, confirmed in a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that the museum is an integral part of the spirit and history of Abu Dhabi, as it tells stories of the beginnings and brings visitors closer to the local heritage, noting that the museum is a witness to the cultural transformations that the emirate has witnessed, and its transition from an active commercial center to a modern capital that keeps pace with the aspirations of the future without separating from its established roots.

He explained that the current building of the museum was used in the 1950s as the headquarters of the Customs Department and a police station, where it played a major role in monitoring traffic between the mainland and Abu Dhabi Island, and continued to perform its duties until the establishment of the Federation, before it later underwent comprehensive restoration operations and was repurposed as a center to serve visitors, leading to its transformation in 2025 into a museum that celebrates its historical, social and cultural value.

Al Maqta Museum includes interactive exhibits and collectibles documenting the history of Abu Dhabi Police and its development, including old police cars, uniforms, and documentary materials that shed light on the process of security work in the emirate, in addition to live programs and performances suitable for different age groups, such as re-enacting the guard-changing ceremony, and educational programs intended for children and students.

Over the past years, the museum has undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation and renovation process as part of Abu Dhabi’s plan to preserve and protect its heritage landmarks, through a joint initiative between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Police General Command, which included restoring the building and its interpretive content, improving the electromechanical systems, enhancing waterproofing, and developing drainage networks, which contributes to preserving the architectural identity of the site and improving the visitors’ experience.

The restoration and development work has contributed to enhancing the visitor experience, as the museum today provides a live interactive experience that enables visitors to explore Abu Dhabi’s defense and urban history, and learn about the features of life in the past, which reflects the richness of the cultural and heritage heritage of the UAE, especially the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The museum is adjacent to the “Maqta Tower”, the first fort built to protect the water crossing, which still stands today in the heart of Maqta Creek. It underwent a restoration process carried out by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in 2022 to address the damage resulting from environmental factors. Until the 1950s, the tower formed a prominent landmark for travelers coming to Abu Dhabi Island.

Al Maqta Museum plays a pivotal role in enhancing awareness of local heritage and history, as it is an educational and cultural platform that contributes to introducing new generations to their roots, and informing visitors and tourists about the ancient history of Abu Dhabi through documentary narration and innovative interactive experiences.

The museum contributes to supporting cultural tourism and stimulating domestic tourism, through its vital location, community programs and seasonal events, to form a basic station within the tourist map of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and embodies the vision of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in consolidating the national identity and building an integrated tourism experience that combines authenticity and modernity.

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