The main historical monument, Al Maqtaa Fort in Abu Dhabi was built some 200-years ago as a look out and defence against attacks by bandits, when Abu Dhabi was a trading port and a fishing village. This ancient historical monument is a symbolic landmark depicting the Arabic designs of the rich culture of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is situated on a tiny rocky island next to the Maqtaa Bridge nearby the watch tower. The tourist information centre is on the ground floor. When entering the balcony upstairs one can have a panoramic view of the Maqtaa Bridge, Shk. Zayed Bridge, Shk. Zayed Grand Mosque and the watch tower in the water. Built according to traditional style in sand coloured stones, with carved wooden ornamental features, which remain almost intact, it is considered as an important historical monument of the city.
Apart from the Al Maqtaa Fort, there are many places of interest in Abu Dhabi such as Sir Bani Yas Island, half of which is the Arabian Wildlife Park where, wild animals freely roam. It has around 13,000 indigenous animals including the Sand Gazelle, Mountain Gazelle and the Arabian Oryx which is an endangered species. You will also find the striped hyena and the Sudan cheetah here. Among the hotels in Sir Bani Yas Island the well known Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort offers an incomparable view of nature and adventure of a true safari experience with freely roaming animals just outside the villas.
Thus Abu Dhabi, though a modern metropolis offers tourists historical monuments such as Al Maqtaa Fort and wildlife safari experience when at Sir Bani Yas Island.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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