Etihad Museum

In December 2 1971 the leaders of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain gathered at Union House in Dubai to sign the declaration establishing the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The move followed the decision by the British government to withdraw from a 19th century agreement that established these Trucial States as a British Protectorate. Ras Al Khaimah joined a year later.

Etihad Museum, Dubai
Etihad Museum

The Etihad Museum opened in 2017 and offers visitors the chance the learn about the contemporary history of the UAE. It comprises a newly constructed Museum building and two older structures; Union House and the Guest Palace.

A series of interactive exhibits are housed within the Museum building.

One of the most impressive exhibits is the Founding Fathers display. Here visitors can learn about the rulers of the Emirates and see their photos and personal belongings. Modern technology plays an important part in this and most exhibitions here. Interactive screens show their biographies and family trees.

Other exhibits educate visitors about the UAE’s constitution, events leading to the unification, the geography of the UAE, and recent developments.

An auditorium shows films documenting how locals and expatriates shaped the UAE.

Union House (Dar el-Etihad), the building where the rulers signed the documents that formed the UAE has been faithfully restored to how it appeared in 1971.

The Guest Palace is the third building in the complex. The rulers met here before signing the agreement. It houses a large dining room and the private office of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Ruler of Dubai from 1958 to 1990).

In the gardens, a huge UAE flag flies from a 120-metre-tall flagpole.

The stunning Museum building was designed by Canadian architecture practice Moriyama & Teshima Architects. The curved roof represents the unification document while the columns represent the pens that signed the agreement.

The museum is not connected to or sponsored by Etihad Airways. Etihad is Arabic for ‘union’.

At the time of writing (July 2020) adult tickets for the museum cost 25 AED. Students are admitted for 10 AED while children aged 5 and under enjoy free entry. Check the official website (see information box at the end of this page) for the latest ticket prices and timings for guided tours.

The Etihad Museum is located in the Jumeirah area of Dubai, at the junction of Jumeirah Street and 2nd December Street.

There are no Metro stations within easy walking distance of the museum. The closest, Al Jafiliya, is around 2 miles away.

Buses stopping near the Etihad Museum include service 8 (Gold Souq Bus Station in Deira to Ibn Battuta Bus Station) and service 9 (Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai to Business Bay Metro Station).

Nearby Attractions

Tourist attractions and things to do near Etihad Museum include:

  • Jumeirah Mosque (0.6 miles) - One of the largest and most attractive mosques in Dubai

Nearby Restaurants

Restaurants and places to eat and drink near Etihad Museum include:

  • Barefoot Lounge (0.6 miles) - Open-air lounge at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. Relaxing place with a wonderful sea view. Great for couple.
  • Ravi (0.8 miles) - Legendary local restaurant. Founded by a Pakistani labourer in the 1970s. Known for its authentic Pakistani food. Located near the Satwa Roundabout (junction of 2nd December Street and Al Satwa Road).

Nearby Hotels

Hotels near Etihad Museum include:

  • Holiday Inn Express Dubai, Jumeirah (0.2 miles)
  • Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira (0.2 miles)
  • Capitol Hotel (0.4 miles)
  • Ramada by Wyndham Jumeirah Hotel (0.4 miles)
  • Mercure Gold Hotel Al Mina Road Dubai (0.4 miles)
  • Jumeira Rotana – Dubai (0.4 miles)
  • Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah (0.6 miles)
  • Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah Residences (0.6 miles)
  • Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa (0.6 miles)
  • Al Khoory Executive Hotel, Al Wasl (0.7 miles)
  • Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina - Jumeirah (0.7 miles)
  • Chelsea Plaza Hotel (0.8 miles)
  • Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai (0.9 miles)

Nearby Transport Links

Transport links near Etihad Museum include:

Map

Map showing location of Etihad Museum.

Click here for a detailed map showing all points of interest.

Map showing location of Etihad Museum

Details

Etihad Museum

Address
Jumeirah
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Visit Etihad Museum Website

Photo Credit: Juliya_Ka/Shutterstock

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