Al Maqtaa Fort

Al Maqta’a Fort, now Al Maqta’a Museum, is a free heritage museum at 18 Al Mawaqid Street in Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, beside the old crossing between Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland. It suits families, history fans and visitors who want a short stop on the story of the city’s defences and the Abu Dhabi Police.

History, from the Department of Culture and Tourism

• Late 18th century: Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diyab, son of Sheikh Diyab Ibn Isa Al Nahyan, oversaw the building of Al Maqta’a Tower to protect the crossing. The tower still stands in the middle of the khor (creek) and, until the 1950s, marked arrival on the island.
• Late 1950s: when the first causeway linked the island to the mainland, a police station was built on the mainland side to watch traffic. It later became a customs house, which worked until the UAE was formed in 1971.
• 2002: the building, renamed Al Maqta’a Fort, was heavily restored and turned into a museum.
• 2022: DCT Abu Dhabi conserved the tower to repair damage from the marine environment.

The fort sits inside the Al Maqta’a Conservation Area, which includes buildings from before, during and after the oil era, and the natural waterway between the island and the mainland.

What you can see and do

After a renovation carried out by DCT Abu Dhabi with Abu Dhabi Police, the museum shows objects from the Abu Dhabi Police over the decades, including vintage police cars and uniforms. The authority lists programmes for all ages, such as re-enactments of the changing of the guard, children’s activities, live police shows and seasonal events. On site there are food and drink outlets, a coffee shop, a children’s playground, camel statues, a miniature of Al Maqta’a Bridge for photos, and parking.

Opening hours and entry

Entry is free for all visitors. Contact: 02 599 5999.

Good to know

• Friday opening starts only at 2:00 pm.
• The official page shows a nearby bus stop and a parking and taxi drop-off point.
• There is parking on site, plus a coffee shop and a children’s playground.
• Programmes such as the changing of the guard are not daily; check with the museum before you go.

Description written from official sources, checked 24 October 2026: abudhabiculture.ae. Confirm details with the business before you go.