Etihad Museum

The Etihad Museum, also referred to as The Union Museum is a world-class heritage museum that brings historians, explorers, and mere patrons to the rich heritage of Dubai. It embraces age-old values and emphasizes the power of consistency across generations, right from ancient to the contemporary Emirati identity. It allows its citizens and foreigners to explore the region-specific culture and heritage through an interactive and participative way. It also aims to disseminate knowledge among guests about the constitution, rights and privileges it confers on the UAE. Thus, it ensures a surreal experience and gives great insights about the traditional lifestyle of Dubai, and the UAE.

The main purpose of the museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret the material and other findings. Finally, it’s kept for exhibition, conducting awareness and educational programs, where people from a young age to a mature man can visit and celebrate the rich culture. The Museum has segregated all its findings into three different themes, namely, Acquisitions, Departments, and External Departments. Some of the notable items are antiques, artefacts, vessels, paintings, and so on, and they’re arranged in chronological order. So, one can easily understand its evolution right from the beginning era. Thus, this unique place concentrates on historic milestones in the years that lead to the unification of the United Arab Emirates and pays tribute to the country’s seven founding fathers.

Here, all the materials and documents are related to the events of the founding fathers of the UAE. Through continuous research and discovery, the museum will contribute immense value and respect to the culture and heritage of Dubai and the UAE. Moreover, it constantly inspires every discoverer and adventurer to dig deep into the place and unveil the ancestors’ unique characteristics. Hence, it carries a vital character in the 21st century and celebrates the commitment, dedication, and the patriotism of the founders of the State.

Discover the contemporary history of the United Arab Emirates at one of Dubai’s foremost cultural offerings. The Etihad Museum is located in a magnificent building in Jumeirah, offering a series of interactive pavilions where visitors can explore UAE history. Through photos, films and more, visitors can learn how the country has developed through the years, especially between 1968 and 1974.

Discover the birth of the UAE

Discover the UAE’s rich heritage before the treaty that unified the seven emirates was signed. Gain insights into the UAE’s extraordinary economic development since its independence, as the first federation in the Arab world. Spread over 25,000 sqm, the museum is located on the same historical site of the Union House, the very place where the constitution was signed in 1971.

Designed by Canadian architects Moriyama and Teshima, the unique curved white roof of the museum was inspired by the shape of the constitution. It is also adorned with seven columns, which symbolise the pens used to sign the agreement. Etihad Museum is equipped with a library, an education centre, a temporary exhibition hall and a restaurant.

Interesting Facts About Etihad Museum

• Etihad means ‘union’ in Arabic

• It was designed by Moriyama and Teshima Architects, a Canadian firm that has worked on The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Aga Khan Museum in Toronto and Waterloo Region Museum in Kitchener, Ontario.

• It is built in the very place the constitution was signed by the seven founding fathers and marked the birth of the United Arab Emirates

• It chronicles the crucial time period of the UAE from the discovery of oil, withdrawal of the British and unification of the seven emirates.

Activities/Things to do in Etihad Museum:

1. Witness Paintings and Artefacts 

For tourists like painters, this place is nothing but a paradise. Being one of the significant tourist places in Dubai, it offers a huge variety of paintings and artefacts discovered from the excavations in and around the UAE. One can explore the interesting findings and get to know the culture and traditional practices of Dubai and the UAE.

2. Read at Library 

Your trip to the Etihad Museum won’t be fulfilled, unless you visit this great library. As we know, the museum has a well-organized library, featured with books, documents, and other informative files. After a thorough study, the age-old files and documents are made available for public visit. For more information, you can use the search options and track your desired section easily.

3. Explore the Exhibition Hall 

Unlike other attractions in the museum, Exhibition Hall is one-of-a-kind. Guests can walk-in and discover the contemporary history of the UAE and witness the photos, films, and more at ease. Since there are separate timings for the exhibition hall, tourists need to plan their visit accordingly.

4. Enjoy delicious food at the various restaurants 

After getting a tiresome experience, you must rejuvenate your mind with a nice coffee or a snack. Here, the restaurant is placed on the upper floor, overlooking the gigantic sculpture of the Preamble. It offers a large variety of meals and dishes to its customers and gives them a delightful experience.

5. Enjoy the Museum Tour 

The Museum also provides a tour guide mainly for first-time visitors. The guide will take them throughout the museum and describe the historical facts of the UAE.

Pavilions and Exhibits at Etihad Museum 

Pavilion 1: A documentary on the UAE

Pavilion 2: An interactive map depicting UAE before the unification

Pavilion 3: Highlights of significant events before the unification

Pavilion 4: A display of the meeting between Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the 2 founding fathers of the UAE

Pavilion 5: An all informative guide representing how the UAE was formed

Pavilion 6: Challenges that the forefathers faced during the union

Pavilion 7: The actual Declaration of UAE

Pavilion 8: A celebration gallery of the new nation

Facilities at the Museum 

• Exhibition hall

• Meeting room

• Education centre

• Restaurant

• Library with amazing books

• Garden

• 7 Sands Cafe: This place serves amazing sweets and famous camel milk ice-cream! Located on the third floor, this cafe serves delicious sweets and you can get them packed for your friends and family back home as well!

What Not to Miss at Etihad Museum

1. La Mer 

La Mer is one of the best outdoor destinations in Dubai, having wide open spaces, pathways and palm tree-lined boulevards, etc. Moreover, it also has amazing restaurants, activities and attractions.

2. Jumeirah Mosque 

It was constructed in the traditional Fatimid style, which was discovered from Syria and Egypt. It was inaugurated in 1979 and has a key activity under the ‘Open Doors. Open Minds’. It’s the only mosque open to non-Muslims as well.

3. Fondue Art Centre 

This is one of the famous dance centres in Dubai, where you can come and learn some latest movements in dance. They have professional dancers who teach you the art easily and make you comfortable while dancing solo or with a partner.

4. Al Ghazal Mall 

 It’s a famous shopping mall having the latest brands of apparels, shoes, and other technology items. Other than stores, this 3-storey building also has a variety of restaurants offering delicious food.

5. Al Boom Diving 

One can experience the longest diving pool in Al Boom Diving, which is the home of PADI in the U.A.E. They have highly-trained instructors who could help you with the activity. Don’t miss this enthralling water sport.

6. Lucky Jewellery 

Among various shopping places, Lucky Jewellery is also equally visited by tourists for its unique designs and top quality. If you want to gift something special to your loved one, you must visit here at least one time.

7. Jebel Jais 

It’s a mountain located at the North-Western Hajar range. It has an adventurous roadway that leads to the peak, the highest point in the country. The landscape is also perfectly suitable for thrilling things to do.

8. Al Diyafa Shopping Center 

It’s one of the sought-after shopping malls in Dubai, where tourists get their hands into the latest collections, antiques, and other gift shops. One can escape from the scorching sun and at the same time do quick shopping here.

9. Dubai Frame 

If you're not impressed with Dubai’s landmarks, then come to the famous Dubai Frame. The Guardian newspaper has mentioned it as “the biggest picture frame on the planet”.

10. Water Sport Dubai 

This place offers the biggest water sports activities in Dubai, including surfing, paddleboarding, flyboarding, wake sports, and so on. Indulge in your favourite sport and get yourself wet instantly.

11. Pro Art Gallery 

It introduces a stunning collection of paintings and other fine arts that has a wide range of style and stature. This place is sure to seek the attention of all age-groups and mesmerize them with the magnificent paintings.

12. Emirates Towers 

It’s nothing but a 5-star luxury hotel, located very close to the Dubai Metro Station. It offers a great experience and awesome views that can’t be replaced by any other tourist attraction.

13. World Trade Centre 

The Dubai World Trade Centre is a one-stop destination for skyscrapers in the UAE. Its main purpose is to host events and exhibitions. Additionally, it has an open-air plaza exclusively for conferences, fairs & concerts.

14. Palm Strip Shopping Mall 

If you want to get a combined shopping experience, you must come to Palm Strip Shopping Mall in Dubai. It renders the best dining, art and stylish boutique stores.

Highlights

• The elegant architecture of the museum in the shape of the constitution manuscript 

• Personal belongings of the seven rulers on display

• A digital and interactive timeline of the unification of UAE

• A vast and cozy library for detailed information about UAE

• A beautiful inner garden by the entrance and a waterfall give the place an ethereal feel

• Free tour of the Union House 

• A flagpole where the rulers gathered after the signing of the constitution

Other Essential Information About Etihad Museum

Location – It’s situated at 1 Jumeirah Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Timings – The general timing is from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm, and it’s open every day.

Price – There are two types of tickets. A general ticket is 25 AED, and a group ticket is 20 AED. Based on the number of visitors, tourists can buy tickets accordingly.

Tips for Visiting Etihad Museum

• Tourists can plan their visit during weekends, rather than on weekdays and it’s due to school crowds during the weekdays.

• Tourists must experience the hi-tech auditorium, exclusively for portraying the history of the union, followed by interactive sessions with important dignitaries.

• If you’re feeling tired or hungry, you can take a break and enjoy a vibrant drink or snack at the Seven Sands Cafe, which is located on the 3rd floor of the premises. 

• Due to security reasons, tourists must always carry their valid ID proof with them. 

• Tourists can come in decent or format apparel rather than in shorts. They should ensure it looks appropriate to the environment. For women, they can carry a shawl just in case.