This historical building tour of Etihad Museum, led by our in-house design team alongside our museum guides, started with a visit to the historic Union House where the original Union Agreement was signed. On 2nd December 1971, the rulers of the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, gathered at this very location to sign the declaration of union that resulted in the formation of the United Arab Emirates.

Visitors toured the historic Guest Palace that was traditionally used by the ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to welcome guests and dignitaries. The palace now houses Sheikh Rashid’s office, his majlis and a dining room with a capacity to host 300 guests. In order to retain its original condition, it has undergone a series of restorations, bringing it to its original condition of 1971.

This historic walking tour ended with a visit to the Etihad Museum designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects, much of which is located underground to preserve the memory of the place.

Etihad Museum

A dynamic 21st century museum, Etihad Museum is focused on inspiring its visitors with the story of the founding of the UAE. The 25,000 m2 landmark is befittingly located at the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971. Through a unique visitor journey, the various pavilions house experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the unification of the Emirates in 1971, with a key emphasis on the period between 1968 and 1974.

Registration fee will include a discounted museum entry ticket (paid upon arrival to the museum) at 20 AED per person, 15 AED (for students under the age of 24), and free entry for ICOM members, children under the age of 5 and Emirati Seniors.