Etihad Museum - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 2 km from Jumeirah Mosque and 13 km Dubai International Airport, Etihad Museum is a dynamic 21st-century museum situated on Jumeirah Road, Dubai. It is one of the popular museums in Dubai and among the must include places in Dubai Tour Packages.

Established in the year 2016, Etihad Museum is a historical place that consists of everything old and new. The museum is located on the same historical site of the Union House, the very place where the 7 rulers of the 7 Emirates came together in 1971 to sign the declaration that marked the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Spread over 25,000 sq. m, the museum is managed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The word 'Etihad' means 'union' in Arabic. There's no better place to gain insight into the UAE's extraordinary economic development since its independence as the first federation in the Arab world.

Designed by Canadian architects Moriyama & Teshima, the museum is constructed in the shape of a manuscript, with seven leaning columns representing the pens that signed the declaration of the Constitution in 1971. Although all the furniture restoration was carried out within the UAE, the interiors, including the carpets, curtains, and chandeliers were imported from India, Turkey and Germany. Near the flag pole is a body of water designed to match the shape of the original shoreline at the time the union of UAE was conceived.

There are 3 integral parts to the Etihad Museum - The Union House, the Guest House, and the Visitor's Pavilion. All of these parts bring together permanent and temporary exhibitions, a theatre, library, an interactive timeline with maps and videos an educational area and a casual recreational space. The interactive programs are particularly interesting as it educates visitors on the rights, privileges and responsibilities the constitution bestows upon the people of the UAE. There are 10 halls in total, each one designed around a different theme - the Founding Fathers, the UAE Interactive Map, the Interactive Timeline Hall, the Showcase, the Canals, the Seeds of Unity, the Change of Union, the Unity of the UAE, the Constitution and the Union Accomplishment.
Another integral part of the Etihad Museum is the Guest House, a building of historic important where the founders met before signing the union. From old passports to personal artifacts such as letters, rings, eyeglasses and pocket watches, stamps and other rare items are on display for the public to add dimensions to the story of UAE. There is also a massive library, a beautiful garden to amble around and a great cafe serving Arabian delicacies. There is an interesting stamps collection with the Royal Mail map that deserves a visit too.

Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM

Entry: AED. 25 for Adults & AED. 10 for Children