Dubai is best described with its Tall man-made structures, adventure desert safari, heart-pounding theme parks, and dazzling nightlife. Ever wonder how this city has evolved from a barren desert to the futuristic cosmopolitan town it is now? One can learn about the past of the UAE from the historical facts and artifacts still present at different museums.
One such museum is the Etihad museum which gives an insight into UAE’s rich history, right from the time of its UAE’s formation. A must-visit for your UAE trip, the Etihad Museum will picture the city’s transformation into a modern global tourist destination through pictures, films, and documents.
Etihad Museum Dubai History
Spread over a massive area of 25,000 square meters, the Etihad Museum is situated close to the historic Union House. The stunning structure is located on the Dubai waterfront, and it magically uncovers the little secrets of the Emirate’s history.
The museum was built to celebrate UAE’s most important event, the formation of the UAE, in a meeting room of the Union House.7 rulers of 7 Emirates gathered at the Union House in 1971 to build the foundation of the UAE by signing a declaration. Etihad museum was open to the public from December 2, 2016.
The building is designed by Canadian architects Moriyama and Teshima. The museum is designed in parabolic curves at the top representing the paper on which the agreement has been written, and the golden columns stand for the pens used for signing the contract.
What’s inside the Etihad Museum
As you enter, a 110meter tall flag pole catches your attention with the second largest flag in the Emirates. The exhibits inside the museum give brief information about the Constitution, its consequences, and facts related to the formation of the UAE. Visitors entering the museum are fascinated by an artistic structure resembling the Unification agreement’s manuscript.
Before heading to the museum exhibition section, a massive painting by famous UAE artist Abdul Qader Al Rais will impress you with his creative artwork.
The museum also flaunts a tree planted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in a relatively small garden.
They have used audiovisual material and displays that are highly engaging and informative. Information is presented to you in Arabic and English, and all the videos have English subtitles. The interactive sessions are enthralling as they inform visitors about the rights and privileges that UAE citizens have after the Constitution.
The museum has ten halls, each designed to present a particular theme. They are named the UAE interactive map, the showcase, the canals, the seeds of unity, the founding fathers, the UAE timeline hall, the change of Union, the Unity of the UAE, the Constitution, and the Union accomplishment.
The favorite among the visitors is the Founding Fathers’ hall, which gives details about Each ruler who was part of the Constitution, their family and their life history, and interesting facts about them. The museum houses several exhibitions, some of which have been permanent throughout the years.
The museum also embraces a library that displays over 3000 books on social, political, and historical subjects, CDs, magazines, and other educational items.
Besides recreational areas and a beautiful garden, the museum also incorporates a cafe where you can enjoy the taste of Arabian delicacies.
Etihad Museum Timings
The museum is open for visitors from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Etihad Museum Location
The museum is a new addition to Dubai’s tourist attraction, and not many people know it. It is located on Jumeirah Road, on Route D94. Although the local drivers are familiar with the Union House, you can ask them to give you directions.
Etihad Museum tickets:
Tickets to the Etihad Museum costs 25 AED for adults, AED 20 per adult visiting in a group, AED 10 for students, and free for children and people with determination.
Tips before you visit the museum
- Plan to visit the museum on weekends rather than weekdays, as the school tour can make it inconvenient for some visitors on weekdays.
- Due to security reasons, visitors are requested to bring valid ID proof.
- Museum also offers a tour guide for first-timers. The guide will take you through the various sections of the museum and explain the exciting chapters from the bygone era.
The Etihad Museum preserves the history of UAE’s foundation and the patrons who stood together to form the independent and wealthy nation that Emirates is at present. It embraces the Emirate’s rich heritage and imports knowledge of region-specific traditions through interactive and engaging exhibitions. On your next trip to Dubai, explore the museum and enjoy the displays of antiques, original paintings, and a comprehensive collection of books.
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