After exploring the luxury and glamour of Dubai City, you might have thought about the modest early period of the Bedouin nation. To get to know about the history, you will find no better spot than the Etihad Museum. The Etihad Museum is located in Palm Jumeirah and is a wonderful sight providing a sequence of cultural offerings and interactive pavilions of Dubai’s contemporary past. Visitors can explore the development of UAE at the Etihad Museum through a display of photos, original documents, and films, and then step out better informed.
Furthermore, it is also popular as The Union Museum and is included among the most important heritage museums in the city. The locals, as well as tourists, can discover the area-specific legacy and culture in a collaborative and participative way. One more goal of the spot is to provide knowledge about the rights, privileges, and constitution it grants to the country.
| Name | Etihad Museum |
| Located in | Dubai Waterfront, Jumeirah |
| Address | Al Mina, 1 Jumeirah St, UAE |
| Another Name | The Union Museum |
| Type | Heritage Museum |
| Opened | 6th January 2017 |
| Timings | 10 am – 8 pm |
| Architect | Moriyama and Teshima Architects |
| Reaching Ways | Dubai Metro, Taxi, Bus |
| Contact no | +971 800 33222 |
| Popular Exhibitions | The Road to the Union, The Founding Fathers, The UAE’s National Identity, etc. |
| Parts | 3; The Guest House, the Union House, and the Visitor’s Pavilion |
| Halls | 10 |
Location
Also, the museum was opened in 2017 and narrates the route and milestones resulting in the signing of the contract that led to the development of the city as well as how it has evolved with each passing year. That’s why to learn about the history of Dubai, the Etihad Museum is a must-visit place for you.
How to Get There?
From Dubai Airport, the Etihad Museum is situated at a distance of only a few miles. However, there are various ways by which you can reach this museum. These transportation methods are by Dubai Metro, taxis, and buses. In case you are traveling to Dubai for the 1st time, you should know the closest bus stop as well as the metro station.
To go to this place, the nearest metro station you will find is Al Jafaliya. Once you reach the station, get on the Dubai Metro red line. From the museum, the station is around 2.8 kilometers away, at a walking distance of approximately 35 minutes. If you want to go by bus, some most popular buses are lines X28, 8, C10, 7, 12, C9, and X13. However, the most feasible option is to go by taxi, however, it is the most expensive option too. For people who prefer this option, just tell the driver to leave you at Union House.
History
On the Dubai waterfront, the Etihad Museum is situated right next to the momentous Union House and was made to honor the origin of the nation at the Union House which is the most critical moment in Dubai’s history. Union House was the area where all the seven leaders of the seven Emirates gathered together to sign the contract in 1971 that marked the development of the UAE.
Since that time, the Union House of the Oval Shape has endured renovation and renewal. But the exterior of this building incorporating the railings and windows, are not changed. Soon after the thought to create the Etihad Museum was initiated, it was made in only around 17 months stretching over the area of 25,000 sq. meters. Moreover, the logo of this historical museum is inspired by the Union House shape.
Design and Architecture
The design as well as architecture of the Etihad Museum is splendid. It was designed by the famous Moriyama & Teshima Architects (a Canadian architectural firm), who expertly united elements of innovative architectural practices with traditional Emirati culture. The shape of the museum is similar to the copy of Dubai’s constitution, and seven columns demonstrate the pens utilized to sign the agreement.
When visitors stroll through the entire Museum, they will be fascinated by its sophisticated design and its melodious combination of contemporary and traditional elements. In addition, the interior of the Etihad Museum is decorated with complex motifs and patterns inspired by Emirati artistry and craftsmanship, forming a visually spectacular setting for the spot’s exhibitions. Also, the use of open spaces, landscaped gardens, and natural light, further improves the visitor encounter, making it a genuinely interactive journey into the city’s history.
What Will You Find Inside the Etihad Museum?
When visitors walk inside this lavish museum, they will stroll through the reception to get to the main building. The bent architecture makes an amazing spherical structure that guarantees to leave visitors staring at it for some time. They will find several things inside the museum which are as follows:
1. The Guest House, the Union House, and the Visitor’s Pavilion
There are three fundamental parts of the Etihad Museum which are The Guest House, the Union House, and the Visitor’s Pavilion. Each one of these brings together temporary and permanent exhibitions, a library, a theatre, an immersive timeline with videos and maps, a typical recreational area, and an educational area.
Furthermore, these interactive programs are very fascinating as they educate people on the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of the Constitution.
2. Halls
Around 10 halls are present in the Etihad Museum and every one of them is made around a specific theme – the UAE Interactive Map, the Change of Union, the Founding Fathers, the Showcase, the Canals, the Interactive Timeline Hall, the Seeds of Unity, the Union Accomplishment, the Constitution and the Unity of the UAE.
However, one of the favorites of the visitors is the Founding Fathers Hall where they get an opportunity to get awareness in detail about every founding father and see their belongings as well, all accompanied by engaging screens giving information regarding their family trees and biographies.
Exhibitions at the Etihad Museum
The museum features a wide variety of exhibitions that reveal the rich culture and history of Dubai. These exhibitions are created to involve and educate people, providing a detailed insight into the UAE’s past and its excursion toward unity.
See more: A Comprehensive Guide to Museum of the Future, Dubai
Let’s explore some of the major exhibitions that you will find at the Etihad Museum:
1. The Road to the Union
The Road to the Union engages visitors on a tour through the city’s history, beginning from the initial days of the UAE to the development of the place. This exhibition also has a timeline of maps, historical documents, and events that narrate the tale of Dubai’s route to unity.
2. The Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers give honor to the 7 heads of state who signed the agreement of the formation of Dubai. This exhibition has a wide range of memorabilia, personal items, and biographies that affiliate with the founding ancestors, offering insight into their personalities and lives.
3. The UAE’s National Identity
It discovers the city’s national identity as well as its several symbols, like the national anthem, the passport, the coat of arms, and the flag. People can learn about the meanings and roots of these symbols and their importance in forming the identity of the UAE.
4. The UAE’s Constitution
It represents the constitution of Dubai, which plays the role of the foundation of the legal and political system of the country. Here, people can learn about the drafting process of the Constitution as well as its fundamental principles.
Other Things to Explore at the Etihad Museum
In addition to other things, there is also a comfortable, yet huge library where visitors can read pictorial books, the best cafe offering Arabian meals with a contemporary twist such as camel milk ice cream, and an attractive garden to stroll around.
Moreover, there is also a wide collection of fascinating stamps accompanying the Royal Mail map that is a must-see too. Undoubtedly, it is the best way to learn the area’s history in a meticulously contemporary environment.
