Many of us drive past this building multiple times a day without giving it much thought, so I was excited to learn that the long-awaited museum had finally opened earlier this summer. The museum is housed within the old Maqta Fort, itself a reconstruction of the original Customs House from the 1950s which monitored entry to and from Abu Dhabi island.
It’s a small museum but a worthy stop for anyone interested in the humble beginnings of the city we now know as Abu Dhabi. On entry, you’re asked to provide the names of all visitors (no phone numbers or email addresses necessary) and you’re presented with a document - Al Barwa, a passport-like permit that was once required in order to pass through the border onto the island. Around the museum several posts are set up to collect stamps in your permit which adds a bit of extra interest and fun, especially for kids.
Built in the late 1700s, the Al Maqta watch tower in the adjacent waterway was once one of the three most important strategic defence points of Abu Dhabi, protecting the crossing between the mainland and the island.
It wasn't until the 1950s that a causeway was built (the first bridge wasn’t built until the late 1960s!) allowing people and cars to cross the creek at low tide. At that time a police station was first built to monitor the traffic and with increased traffic to the island as the settlement expanded, soon after the Maqta Fort was constructed as a customs house to inspect all goods being brought in - this system continued until the unification of the UAE in 1971.
Although small in size, there is a wealth of information in the museum and some excellent old footage of the Maqta Crossing which is very interesting to see - it’s fascinating how much things have changed in such a short space of time!
Outside the museum a smaller, replica Maqta Bridge has been constructed which leads people along a short path to view the Maqta Tower in the Khor (creek).
Around the grounds there’s also a number of curiosities - an old police car and an old delivery van that once broke down while crossing the causeway, and a native tree tagging system with each tree labelled with its species information - a lovely touch for curious kids and nature lovers!
In addition to the popular coffee shop La Petite and a small roadside ADNOC Oasis, there’s also a children’s playground with two areas: one sandy gated section with a fort style climbing frame and slide, and a more open section with swings and space to run around.
It’s great to see life brought back to this historic neighbourhood and previously overlooked spot. It makes a lovely little stop for a quick history fix and a glimpse into a way of life that is now difficult to imagine!
Both the museum and grounds are free to enter.
Find out more on the Experience Abu Dhabi website.