As you coast along the well built modern roads of United Arab Emirates to enter the island of Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of the Middle Eastern nation and one of the largest islands owned by the country you will first encounter the Al Maqtaa Bridge. The overpass itself is very much like the rest of the road networks in the Middle East; sturdy, sophisticated and elegant. In the waters just beside the sea link is the Al Maqtaa Fort which had been constructed over two centuries ago and forms a pivotal part of the historical records of the country.
The garrison was designed to ward off bandits and criminals who tried to enter the mainland through the waters and was a fine edifice during its heyday. However, following the construction of the Al Maqtaa Bridge which plies a few meters away from it, both its magnitude and magnificence seem to have dulled into insignificance. The structure is pale in appearance, lacks character and the shape resembles a sand castle built by kids along a seashore. However, the well thought of design is evident in its thick walls and windows that have been cut out precisely on all sides to ensure safety was never compromised.
Upon close observation one can still find the tower to be a good watch out and the mound that it is built on is sturdy enough to take on the choppiest waves of the Abu Dhabi Creek. Many generations ago when the country faced threats from external parties, strongholds such as this helped protect the territorial integrity and people of the country. Having loomed out of the dark days, there is speculation that the site may be opened for tours and historical exhibits in the days to come.
The area around has evolved tremendously over the years and any hotel in Abu Dhabi will bear testimony to the fact that the development of the land took place relatively recently. In spite of that, it is not difficult to find accommodation Abu Dhabi as the city even boasts of super luxury in the form of hotels such as Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
