The Etihad Museum in Dubai, opened in 2017, is dedicated to the history of the United Arab Emirates, focusing on the country’s unification and the creation of the federation in 1971. It is aptly named as "Etihad" means "union" or "unity" in Arabic. Located on Jumeirah Beach Road near the historic Union House, where the founding leaders signed the UAE’s unification agreement, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive view of the UAE’s path to nationhood through immersive exhibits and artifacts.
The architecture of the Etihad Museum, designed by Canadian architecture studio Moriyama & Teshima, is inspired by the shape of a manuscript. The white, curved roof resembles a flowing scroll, symbolizing the signing of the UAE’s constitution.
Etihad Museum facade
The museum’s interior design was created by Chen Cohen. Its entrance is marked by seven tapered bronze columns that represent the seven pens used by the founding fathers to sign the unification agreement. A large sculpture featuring the preamble of the constitution is shown in the museum's atrium. Most of the museum galleries are located underground in order to preserve the historic grounds around the Union House.
museum entrance
museum gallery
Skylights and sunken courtyards provide natural light sources to some of the exhibition spaces.
skylight
A spiral staircase reserved for officials and dignitaries provides direct access to the Union House located above.
spiral staircase
spiral staircase
The museum is surrounded by landscaped gardens and has direct access to the historic Union House (Dar Al Etihad), which can be visited on guided tours. At the time part of the summer residence of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the building has been preserved in its original form.
Union House
Union House
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