Located next to ‘Dar Al Etihad’, the historic site where the UAE declaration was first signed in 1971, the Etihad Museum is a new dynamic 21st century museum close to the iconic flag pole on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Road.

His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health & Prevention in the UAE and Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Etihad Museum celebrates the dedication and patriotism of our nation’s founders and invites individuals from all walks of life to follow their example in nation building. The museum will focus upon the political history and personal stories at a major event in the nation’s founding – that of the unification of the Emirates in 1971”.

Through a unique visitor journey, Etihad Museum presents exhibitions and educational programmes that explore the chronology of events surrounding the signing of the agreement that culminated the formation of the Union – using photos, films and documents from 1968 through to 1974 to showcase the crucial first moments of the nation's history. The museum will also offer a series of educational initiatives and advanced technology and applications designed to elevate and inspire visitors, including school programmes, lectures, workshops, presentations of documentary films and photographs of the UAE’s ruling families.

Etihad Museum is part of a collaborative agreement between Dubai Culture, in charge of the content of the museum, developing the corporate brand and leading the crowdsourcing campaign and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for the design, development and construction of the project.

The Etihad Museum is designed in the shape of a manuscript with seven columns that simulate the pen used to sign the declaration of the union in 1971. The museum includes permanent and temporary halls, a theatre, educational and recreational areas and administration offices. In addition, the corporate identity of the museum which was inspired from the colours of the national flag, federal identity and the seven emirates.

Etihad Museum vision is to reaffirm the historical value of the place that saw the signing of the document declaring the UAE federation. It aims to transform it into a museum acting as a cultural radiation hub appealing to citizens, residents and tourists who are keen to acquaint themselves with the stages & challenges of establishing the federation along with the achievements made ever since. It would also consolidate the concept & value of the Union in the hearts of citizens and future generations.