Al Maqta Museum Reopens in Abu Dhabi After Major Restoration
Once a strategic coastal fort, Al Maqta Museum reopens, inviting visitors to explore Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage through immersive exhibits, restored architecture, and cultural storytelling.
Abu Dhabi’s historic Al Maqta Museum has officially reopened following an extensive restoration led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police. Housed within the 18th-century Al Maqta Fort, the museum offers visitors a journey through the emirate’s transformation from a tribal settlement to a modern metropolis.
Originally constructed to guard the narrow waterway separating Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland, Al Maqta Fort played a crucial role in the city's early defense and trade. The recent restoration preserved the fort’s architectural integrity while integrating modern exhibition techniques. Exhibits include vintage Abu Dhabi Police patrol vehicles, uniforms from the 1950s, archival photographs, and artifacts illustrating the fort’s strategic importance.
The museum also highlights the building’s evolution—from a customs checkpoint and police station to a heritage museum inaugurated in 2002. Visitors can explore the site's layered history and its role in the broader narrative of Abu Dhabi’s development.
