Dubai is known as a modern city full of shiny skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls. But what many people do not know is that Dubai also has a rich history. The rich history of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates can be admired in the Etihad Museum.
The Etihad Museum is housed in a futuristic-looking building on Jumeirah Road just steps from the Jumeirah Mosque . The futuristic building of the museum has a number of striking elements, each with a historical significance. Thus it is made up of seven pillars which represent the pens with which the Union agrement is signed and the seven emirates officially formed the United Arab Emirates. The flowing shape of the building is inspired by this manuscript from the Union agrement.
In the museum you will find al lot of information about the origin of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. Also the period before the UAE gets plenty of attention in the museum through interactive exhibitions, photos and information screens and of course there is also room for the enormous growth that Dubai has experienced over the past 20 years.
An important part of the 2.5-hectare museum complex is the restored Union House where in 1971 the six leaders of the Emirates founded the United Arab Emirates. This Union House was completely destroyed but thanks to the restoration, a large part of the Union House can now be viewed again.
Location Etihad Museum Dubai
The Etihad Museum is built at the intersection of the Jumeirah Road and the 2nd of December street on the site where the Union House once stood. On December 2, 1971, the papers were signed at the Union House to mark the birth of the current United Arab Emirates. The original papers were signed by six of the current seven Emirates, the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah joined the other Emirates a few years later, bringing the number to seven.
The Etihad Museum is easily recognizable from a distance, thanks to the enormous flagpole which is directly next to the museum. The largest flag (40 x 20 meters) of the United Arab Emirates can be seen on this 123 meter high flagpole.
Opening hours & tickets
The Etihad Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The admission fee for the Etihad Museum is 25 dirham for adults, children and students up to 24 years pay 10 dirhams per person. Tickets for the museum can be purchased at the entrance of the museum. Look for more information about the entrance fees and the museum on the official website of the Etihad Museum.
