On December 2nd, 1971, at the Union House in Dubai, the rulers of the Emirates gathered to sign the declaration of Union…
Opened in December 2016, Etihad Museum is a contemporary museum with historical treasures.
The dynamic 21st century museum is focused on inspiring its visitors with the story of the founding of the UAE. The 25,000 m2 landmark, designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects, is befittingly located at the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971.
Through a unique visitor journey, the various pavilions house experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the unification of the Emirates in 1971, with a key emphasis on the period between 1968 and 1974.
The Museum’s garden is home to the historic Union House where the original Union Agreement was signed – On 2nd December 1971, the rulers of the Emirates, gathered at this very location to sign the declaration of Union that resulted in the formation of the United Arab Emirates.
The historic Guest Palace, allocated alongside the Union House, was traditionally used by the Ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to welcome guests and dignitaries – the palace houses Sheikh Rashid’s office, his Majlis and a dining room with a capacity to host 300 guests. In order to retain its original condition, it has undergone a series of restorations, bringing it to its original condition in 1971.
