A 21st century Landmark telling the story of the UAE’s founding, on the very site where the Nation was born
One of Dubai’s most significant cultural landmarks, the dynamic Etihad Museum, tells the visitors story of the origin of UAE and its crucial periods. The museum is built precisely on the site where the UAE was founded in 1971. Spanning 25,000 square metres, the museum was designed by Canadian architects Moriyama and Teshima in the shape of an unfurled manuscript, with seven leaning columns, symbolically representing the pens used to sign the country’s founding declaration. The museum is operational since January 6, 2017. The building stands beside the historic Union House, where the seven rulers of the Emirates gathered to sign the agreement that brought the federation into being and is marked by a 123-metre flagpole bearing in the UAE flag.
A unique visitor journey is offered through ten themed pavilions, each exploring a different chapter of the nation’s formation, with particular emphasis placed on the pivotal years between 1968 and 1974. The Founders Pavilion brings visitors face to face with the personal belongings, portraits and recorded interviews of the UAE’s founding pioneers, while the original documented UAE Constitution, is preserved within a dedicated glass case. Interactive screens, augmented reality and motion activated displays are used throughout the museum to bring the country’s history to life for visitors of all ages and the Seeds of Unity exhibit recreates, through striking 3D projection, the historic meeting between Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Beyond the exhibition halls, the museum also contains a library, an auditorium, a multi-purpose hall and the Guest Palace, where Sheikh Rashid’s former Majlis and private office have been preserved. Two guided tours are conducted daily, at 11:00 am and at 5:00 pm, giving visitors a deeper narrative, behind the artefacts on display. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with last entry permitted at 7:15 pm.
It is a perfect place for families, friends, history enthusiasts and students.
Visit Details:
- The museum remains open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- Entry: AED 25 for adults and AED 10 for children and students.
- Children under 5 and People of Determination are provided free entry.
- Guided Tour: 11:00 am and 5:00 pm
- Contact: +971 800 3322
- Location: 1 Jumeirah St, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE
1 AED