Today's Edition
RAJEEV CHERIEN (ABU DHABI)
Following gazelle tracks, a group of Bani Yas tribesmen from Al Dhafra Region reached a narrow channel along the coast, now known as Al Maqta, around the year 1761. From there they watched the gazelles cross over to the island and found them drinking from a freshwater spring.
Returning to Al Dhafra, they informed Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Falahi, the then Sheikh of the Bani Yas of their discovery of the freshwater source and its proximity to pearl fisheries, which led to the Sheikh ordering the establishment of a new settlement.
As the tribe members followed the gazelle trails and settled in the region, the island too was given its name Abu Dhabi, which translates into “father of gazelles” in Arabic.
A significant Abu Dhabi landmark, Al Maqta was the only crossing point between Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland.
A quiet witness to Abu Dhabi’s remarkable evolution - from the days of Bedouin caravans, through the pearling era and discovery of oil to its rise as a thriving metropolis, the story of Al Maqta’s storied past is brought to life at the recently renovated Al Maqta Museum.
Located within Maqta Fort in the Maqta Conservation Area, the museum has been renovated through a joint initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Police.
The Maqta Conservation Area is home to historic buildings and structures that reflect the various stages of Abu Dhabi’s urban development.
Immersive Experience
In a nostalgic nod to administrative procedures of a bygone era, visitors are welcomed with “Al Barwa”, the entry permit to Abu Dhabi Island issued by Abu Dhabi Police, which can be stamped by visitors themselves at all zones in the museum.
Enhanced by audio-visual effects, including the rhythmic sound of waves and Bedouin chanting, the museum exhibits take visitors through Al Maqta’s evolution.
A striking image of a man crossing Al Maqta during low tide with his camel, vintage Abu Dhabi police uniforms and patrol vehicles and a replica of the Al Maqta Tower, among other exhibits, offered insights into the political and cultural significance of the strategic location.
Another booth titled “Memories of Al Maqta” features experts providing understanding of the vital crossing.
Al Maqta Tower
As the settlement grew, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan oversaw the construction of Al Maqta Tower in the late 18th century to boost the defences of the crossing.
Built during the same period as Qasr Al Hosn, Al Maqta Tower ranks among the few coastal defensive towers built of coral stones, plaster, sandstone and mangrove wood.
Al Maqta Crossing
After World War II, vehicles came in large numbers to Abu Dhabi, and with the discovery of oil, a permanent crossing was essential. In the 1950s, a rough causeway was built to cater to the need of rising traffic.
Around the same time, a police station was constructed on the mainland to monitor traffic on the crossing. It later housed the customs headquarters, operating until the unification of the UAE in 1971, following which checks on goods were lifted at the border to Abu Dhabi Island. The museum’s current building served as a customs house and police station.
Al Maqta Bridge
On August 6, 1968, the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurated Al Maqta Bridge as part of events to celebrate the second anniversary of his accession as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
To manage the increased traffic levels due to Abu Dhabi’s rapid expansion, a second identical bridge was completed at Al Maqta in 1999.
