This historical building tour of Etihad Museum included visits to the historic Union House where the original Union Agreement was signed and the Guest Palace that was traditionally used by the ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to welcome guests and dignitaries, along with a visit to the museum designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects, much of which is located underground to preserve the memory of the place.

This historical building tour of Etihad Museum, led by the in-house design team alongside 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 Khaima and Fujairah, gathered at this very location to sign the declaration of union that resulted in the formation of the United Arab Emirates.

Following that, visitors went to 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 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 in 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.

Additionally, visitors had the chance to explore our recently opened exhibition titled “Photographs in Dialogue UAE-1971 – UK”, a collaboration between the Etihad Museum in Dubai and the National Portrait Gallery in London, with support from the British Council.

About 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.