About Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Al Maqta or Al Maqta’a in Abu Dhabi is a vast residential area near some well-known landmarks, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which ranks amongst the top ten largest mosques worldwide. This locality in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi has been subject to large-scale development in recent years and exhibits infrastructural marvels and modern amenities. Earlier known as Bain Al Jessrain, which translates in English as "between two bridges," it lies between Mussafah Bridge and Al Maqta Bridge.
It is a place of great interest for tourists and visitors because of the presence of some major landmarks. Al Maqtaa Fort is the most ancient. It is a two-centuries-old monument which once stands tall against attacks by raiders. However, its ancient glory is overshadowed by the Al Maqta bridge, constructed in 1967. The bridge links the Abu Dhabi island to the mainland and is a true expression of modernism. The authorities recently announced the partial closure of the iconic Al Maqta bridge for renovation spread over a seventh-month period.
Besides, the area features some of the most splendid hotels, such as Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. It is home to luxury villas and expansive residential plots. Some properties have overlooking terraces that allow for a scenic view of the Khor Al Maqta waterway. The kind of properties available in the locality indicates a family-oriented lifestyle. The prices are relatively lower than in the bustling island city of Abu Dhabi.
Key Highlights of Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
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Quiet Area
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Contemporary Infrastructure
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Spacious Properties with Quality Finish
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Easy Access to Main Highways
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Secure Communities
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Proximity to Social Amenities
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Transportation Facilities Easily Available
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Numerous Educational Institutes Nearby
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Property Prices are Reasonably Higher
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Paid Parking Spaces are not Easily Available
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Limited Public Transportation
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Unavailability of Tertiary Care Hospitals
Real Estate Overview in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Given the rapid developments that have taken in Al Maqtaa in recent times, the locality offers ample residential facilities. Several villas, apartments, and penthouses are available in the locality that caters mainly to families. Hills Abu Dhabi is one such striking property. It is a gated community composed of spacious villas that offer breathtaking views. It is close to the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Armed Forces Officer’s Club, and Hotel.
There are around 147 luxury villas, and the residents have easy access to a host of amenities, from basketball courts, spas, cafes, a gymnasium, and a mosque. The villas in Al Maqta span from 5000 sq. ft. to 13,000 sq. ft. and consist of 5 to 6-bedroom villas.
Houses with different quarters for house help, terraces, balconies, and gardens are also present. Equipped with modern infrastructure and Emirati architecture, the residential properties in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, are diverse and exhibit a luxurious lifestyle.
Price Trends in Al Maqta
Public Transportation
Effective in 2019, Al Maqta Abu Dhabi residents can avail of free bus service following the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Transport (DoT) launch of the same in the area. The bus service has two routes at present that begin from Al Khor street- DoT headquarters.
Several bus lines are operational in Al Maqta-
| Bus Line Number | Destination |
| 34 | Emirates Palace Hotel |
| 54 | Fish Market |
| 56 | Khalifa Park |
| 32 | Marina Mall |
| 155 | Abu Rabuh Saeed Mosque |
| 44 | Fishermen Association - Armed Forces Officers Club |
Amenities
Residents in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi have easy access to schools, kindergartens and nurseries. Some of the well-known nurseries in the neighbourhood are-
- International Montessori Nursery
- Stepping Stones Nursery
- Bright Kids Nursery
For secondary education, one can go to any of the schools listed below-
- Darweesh Bin Karam School
- Emirates Private School
- GEMS Cambridge International School
- Al Dhafra Pvt Schools
- Elite Private School
Among universities and centres that impart religious education, Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi has some of the best options available-
- Sheikh Hamdan Bin Muhamad Al Nahyan Quran Memorization Center
- Khalifa University’s SAN Campus
There is an abundance of shopping avenues in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi since it has some of the most organized marketplaces. The residents can also avail of online shopping facilities from some of the supermarkets that offer freshly imported products of top-notch quality. Self-scanning options at supermarkets also offer convenient billing options to the buyers of commodities.
- The Souq Planet
- Bain Al Jesrain Co-Operative Society
- Khalid Al Hamar Baqala
- Baqalat Al Maqta
- Al Haji Ahmed Supermarket
- Osama Baqala
- Green Villa Baqala
- Spinneys
- Castlerock Supermarket
The medical centres in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi are equipped with world-class professionals and infrastructure that offers quality healthcare to the residents. Some of the finest clinics and hospitals in the area are-
- Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children
- LLH Hospital Musaffah
- Zayed Military Hospital
- Dr Fawzia Khalfan Medical Center
- Al Maqtaa Healthcare Center
- Doctor Sherif Mattar Specialized Center
- Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital
- Al Jaber Optical
Gated communities and other residential clusters have pharmacies in the vicinity. A few other pharmacies that are available in Al Maqta are-
- Bain Al Jesrain Pharmacy
- Drops Pharmacy
- Al Manara Pharmacy
- Al Ain Pharmacy
There are plenty of options available when it comes to places of worship in Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi. Here are a few mosques that are within easy reach in the neighbourhood.
- Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Sultan Mosque
- Sheikh Hamdan Bin Muhamad Al Nahyan Mosque
- Bani Hasim Mosque
- Khalifa Ghaith Mosque
- Gharibah bint Rashid Mosque
- Khalifa Ahmed Jabara Murar Mosque
One can easily find churches in the area-
- The Armenian Church Of Abu Dhabi
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Abu Dhabi Assembly Of God Church
>The only gurudwara, New Gurudwara Abu Dhabi in Mussafah is a 10-minute drive from Al Maqta.
Best Hotels in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Owing to the presence of places of tourist attractions within proximity to Al Maqta, the locality witnessed a large influx of tourists, which has led to the construction of lavish hotels and resorts in Al Maqta Abu Dhabi. 5-star hotels such as the Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Shangri-La Hotel Apartments Qaryat Al-Bari exude opulence and luxury like that of the finest hotels across the globe. From elaborate buffets to exquisite suites and a vast variety of amenities for the comfort of the guests, they are the best in business.
- Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr – Abu Dhabi
- Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
- Shangri-La Hotel Apartments Qaryat Al-Bari
- The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
- Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
- Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
Lifestyle
Al Maqta has some of the best malls, shopping centres and places for retail therapy. Some of these represent a modern spin on the traditional arab markets, while others are large shopping centres with food courts and a variety of different stores and open markets.
- The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
- Al Seef Village Mall
- Mall at World Trade Centre
- Al Wahda Mall
- Khalidiyah Mall
- Capital Mall
- Paragon Bay Mall
- Waitrose
- Bin Makhashin Plaza
- Toko Indonesia
- Pashmina Sheila LLC
Apart from arab delicacies, a variety of cuisines from all over the world can be enjoyed by visitors. Popular fast-food chains and restaurants in 5-star hotels cater to guests with different taste palettes and preferences. Malls such as the Souk Qaryat Al Beri have popular eateries like the Meat Co. Below are listed some places that you can try out when in Al Maqta to experience fine dining and multiple cuisines.
- Venetian Village
- Indian Punjab Grill
- La Brassiere
- Milas
- Bait Ommy
- Al Sayyad Restaurant & Grills
- Sho Cho
- Azzurro
- Itran
- Bord Eau
- Li Jang restaurant
- The Forge steakhouse
- Sofra BLD
Small cafes and lounges can also be found in the neighbourhood. One can enjoy seasonal dishes and sumptuous desserts in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, all year round.
Beaches are amongst Al Maqta’s sought-after tourist spots. The beaches offer fun water activities and serve as the perfect getaway options for individuals and families alike. For a taste of luxury, one can opt for beach resorts with the best of both worlds- a range of amenities and lavish meals.
- Corniche Beach
- Saadiyat Public Beach Club
- Nurai Island
- Yas Beach
- Radisson Blue Beach Club
- Al Bateen Beach
- Nation Riviera Beach Club
- Beach Rotana Club
- Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Beach
- Sheraton Resort Beach
Corniche Beach and Yas Beach are popular beach destinations in Abu Dhabi and lie at a distance of 30 minutes from Al Maqta, but the wait is worth the experience.
Al Maqta has plenty of recreational opportunities to entertain residents and visitors. The water cable park system in the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, a 15-minute distance, was introduced in the Middle East. Spa facilities in nearby luxury hotels are perfect for rejuvenation. Some of the leisure activities nearby include the following:
- Al Forsan International Sports Resort
- Zayed Sports City
- Caracal Shooting Club
- Sparky’s Family Fun Centre
- Bain Al Jessrain Families Garden
- Khor Al Maqtaa Park
- Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park 5
- Abu Dhabi Ice Rink
- CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri
- ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Distance and Commute Time
- The distance from Al Maqta to Abu Dhabi International Airport is 31.34 km which is a 24-minute drive (if the average speed is 75 km/hr).
- The distance from Al Maqta to Corniche Beach is 22 min (24.3 km) via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10.
- The Emirate of Dubai is a drive of 1 hour and 15 minutes from Al Maqta.
- The distance between Al Maqta and Sheikh Zayed Bridge is 6km.
Ratings and Reviews
The luxury apartments and villas give you a taste of the luxe living that is a common occurrence in Dubai. It is a delight to witness similar hotels and places of tourist interest in the island city of Abu Dhabi. One should not hesitate to settle down in Al Maqta as the neighbourhood is amongst the best in terms of the properties available for sale as well as rentals. The degree of finishing is commendable.
The Al Maqta neighbourhood does not disappoint you at all if you looking for a taste of luxury without burning a hole in your pocket. You get to experience relaxing spa sessions at magnificent 5-star hotels. I would highly recommend the spa CHI at Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri and the watersport at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
Finding a suitable abode for a family of 10+ members was a breeze given the extensive villa-gated communities in the Al Maqta neighbourhood. The kids in particular were overjoyed to experience fun-filled rides and recreational activities at the Bain Al Jessrain Families Garden. The property prices are a bit higher compared to other localities.
The Al Maqta locality is undoubtedly a peaceful one and a great option for students. The apartments here are mostly occupied by families and therefore, give a sense of security. The only difficulty I have faced is the lack of options for a commute.
The supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics and places of entertainment are nearby. I barely have to walk a few minutes each day to get my groceries, drop off my children at the nursery and walk back home. The lack of parking spaces in the locality poses a problem for residents in the locality. I hope that better opportunities are available in the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Al Maqta Freehold?
Yes, Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi is a freehold.
What are the top attractions in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi?
The top attractions in Al Maqta are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Maqta Bridge, and Al Maqta Fort
How to get to Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi by bus and metro? And which is the nearest metro station?
Metro is not directly operational in Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi. One can reach Al Maqta through bus lines 111, 160, 162, 32, 34, 44, 54, and 56.
Which are the best communities in Al Maqta?
The best communities to live in Al Maqta are Al Maqta Village, Hills Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Creek Business Resort.
What are the best hotels and restaurants in Al Maqta?
Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr – Abu Dhabi, Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, and Shangri-La Hotel Apartments Qaryat Al-Bari, are some of the finest hotels and house the best restaurants in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi.
Which are the famous malls and supermarkets in Al Maqta?
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri to the west of Al Maqta, Al Saeef Village Mall on Al Salam Street, and the mall at World Trade Centre are some of the best places to shop in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi.
What are the best schools in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi?
Hunain School in Gate City, Abu Dhabi, Darweesh Bin Karam School, and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Muhamad Al Nahyan Quran Memorization Centre are some of the best schools for secular and religious education in Al Maqta.
Which are the best hospitals and clinics in Al Maqta?
Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, Al Maqtaa Healthcare Center and Zayed Military Hospital are all available to residents and visitors for medical care and assistance.
Which are the famous places of worship in Al Maqta?
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Muhamad Al Nahyan Mosque, The Armenian Church Of Abu Dhabi, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are the famous places of worship in Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi.
What are the pros and cons of living in Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi?
Living in Al Maqta has numerous advantages, such as affordable but luxurious housing and convenient access to basic amenities such as educational institutes, clinics, supermarkets, and places of recreation. A major downside, however, is the lack of parking spaces and commute options.
