Etihad Museum: a glimpse into the foundation of a nation

A pair of Sheikh Zayed’s sunglasses. Antonie Robertson / The National

An alarm clock that belonged to Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qassimi of Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National

A copy of the original constitution signed by all seven rulers of the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Qaiwain’s dagger. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed’s glasses. Antonie Robertson / The National

The private office of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, inside the Guest Palace, where rulers met before the signing. Rym Ghazal / The National

A gun belonging to Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qassimi of Ras Al Khaimah. Antonie Robertson / The National

An old-fashioned handgun and holster belonging to Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi of Fujairah. Antonie Robertson / The National

Inside the postal history room. On display is the first Sharjah stamps. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi of Ajman’s ring. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // “Thanks to our ancestors who challenged the adversities of time and the misfortunes of life, due to their fortitude, our generation is living in prosperity and grace.”

This is one of the many quotations from the late Sheikh Zayed that adorn the walls of the new Etihad Museum in Dubai, powerful words that helped to evoke the spirit of the UAE’s founding.

“The importance of the Etihad Museum is that it inspires visitors with the story of the most significant moment in the UAE’s timeline – the birth of the country at Union House,” said Abdullah Al Falasi, the museum’s director.

“By celebrating the dedication, commitment and patriotism of the Founding Fathers, the museum invites individuals from all walks of life to follow their shining example in nation building.”

There are at least three aspects that make this museum unique: the elegance and size of the building; the fact that visitors are able to stroll in the complex’s garden and view important landmarks on site; and the amount of information and hitherto unseen historic objects, photos and videos on display.

The museum’s location is marked by a huge UAE flag atop a 123-metre golden pole on Jumeirah Beach Road. Inspired by the Unification Agreement, the museum is designed in the shape of a manuscript, with seven leaning columns representing the pens that signed the declaration of the Constitution in 1971.

“The Etihad Museum has been designed to offer a holistic experience from start to finish, leading visitors on a memorable journey. Engaging and interactive items are found at every step,” said Mr Al Falasi. “Every element of the design reflects the purpose of the museum, which is to enrich the public’s understanding of the Union Agreement and tell the story of the birth of the UAE.”

The grounds include three main buildings: the Union House (Dar Al Etihad), the Guest Palace and the Visitors Pavilion. The permanent exhibitions are housed in the Visitors Pavilion and span 10 halls. These include 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.

The exhibits feature rare photographs, films and personal belongings of the Founding Fathers, military uniforms and rare medals from the Armed Forces, and reproductions from historical newspapers alongside interactive technology throughout the museum.

“Etihad Museum has been an ambitious project from the outset, but the construction period took only a little over two years to complete,” said Mr Al Falasi.

The museum is the result of a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which undertook the design, development and construction, and Dubai Culture, which manages the site.

With special permission, visitors can also enter the restored oval-shaped Union House where the Rulers signed a declaration in 1971 that marked the formation of the UAE.

The museum’s logo is inspired by the shape of the Union House. Inside the Guest Palace, where the Rulers met before the signing, one can see the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s majlis, his private office and a dining room for 300 people. Permission is needed to enter this building.

“Near to the flag area is a body of water that was created to match the shape of the original shoreline at the time that the union of the UAE was conceived,” said Mr Al Falasi.

To know more about Etihad Museum, call 045155771 or visit etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.ae. The museum is open daily from 10am to 8pm. Admission is Dh25.