The story behind Al Maqta Bridge, connecting Abu Dhabi's past, present and future
Maqta Bridge, spanning about 300m, was Abu Dhabi’s first major landmark bridge
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1/11
1950. Emiri guards walk over the causeway linking the mainland to Abu Dhabi island, heading towards the old guard tower in the middle of the channel. Many years later, in 1967, the first Maqta Bridge was built, which was later significantly expanded. The new Sheikh Zayed Bridge was then added in 2010.
BP Archive/Gulf News
2/11
1960s: The Maqta tower in the early sixties, located on a small rocky outcrop in the middle of the waters of the Maqta area, is considered one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi and a living example of the ancient coastal defence towers built from coral reef stones and beach rocks.
Gulf News archives
3/11
This 1968 photograph shows the construction of the Al Maqta Bridge in Abu Dhabi. The single-span steel bridge connects the city of Abu Dhabi to the mainland. Seen in the background is the 200-year-old Maqta watchtower, part of the Al Maqta Fort, which served as a watchtower. It was also the first project of Waagner Biro Gulf LLC in the region.
Waagner Biro Gulf LLC
4/11
1968: The Maqta Bridge was constructed, becoming the first permanent crossing onto the island. Inaugurated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the bridge featured a single arch and was painted in a distinctive blue shade, symbolizing the city's aspirations and connectivity.
Gulf News archives
5/11
Adjacent to the bridge lies the historic Maqta Tower, constructed in the late 18th century. Once a vital landmark for travellers approaching Abu Dhabi, the tower now stands as a symbol of the city's rich heritage and its journey towards modernization.
Gulf News archives
6/11
As traffic volumes increased, a second arch was added in the late 1990s to accommodate growing demands. This expansion ensured the bridge could handle the influx of vehicles while maintaining its structural integrity.
Gulf News archives
7/11
The addition of LED street lighting further enhanced its visibility and aesthetic appeal, aligning with Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable urban development.
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8/11
Recognising the bridge's historical significance and the need for modernisation, comprehensive maintenance work commenced in April 2022. These efforts included the restoration of its iron arches, repainting of steel sections, and repairs to concrete barriers and pedestrian walkways. The project aimed to preserve the bridge's architectural heritage while ensuring its functionality for future generations
Gulf News
9/11
The Maqta Bridge is more than just a physical structure; it embodies Abu Dhabi's transformation over the decades.
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10/11
From facilitating trade and travel to symbolizing the city's growth and resilience, the bridge continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the past with the present and future of Abu Dhabi.
Afra Alnofeli/Gulf News
11/11
2025: In recent years, the bridge has undergone extensive maintenance and refurbishment to preserve its structural integrity and accommodate increasing traffic demands.
Afra Alnofeli/Gul News
Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 27 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct.
Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action.
Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya.
His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011.
He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
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