Etihad Museum – Dubai

The Etihad Museum is a cultural venue on the Dubai waterfront aimed to celebrate the union of the seven emirates which, since 2 December 1971, constitute the United Arab Emirates.

Opened to the public in January 2017, the organic-shaped building of the museum was designed by Canadian practice Moriyama and Teshima Architects.
The museum is composed of an overground entrance pavilion and an underground part which accommodates most of the exhibition galleries; the curvilinear form of the pavilion evokes the parchment on which the the original unification agreement was written and signed.

Exterior views of the Eithad Museum in Dubai, images by Government of Dubai / Media office

Schematic view of the entrance pavilion, image Moriyama and Teshima Architects

On a gross floor area of 149,000 square feet, the museum includes permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, a 3,000 volume library, a 120-seat theater, a multi-purpose hall, an education center, a restaurant, a cafe, and a small garden.
A large painting by renowned Emirate artist Abdul Qader Al Rais is permanently on view near the entrance area.

The permanent exhibition of the Etihad Museum is divided into eight thematic sections focused on the history of the emirates and of their union into a single federation.

The exhibition comprises historical artifacts, documents, maps, artworks, interactive exhibits, photographs, videos, biographical information on the founding fathers, clothes, arms, and everyday objects which, collectively, celebrate the history and culture of the UAE, and narrate the birth of the nation.

Interior views of the entrance pavilion

Videos and exhibits in the permanent exhibition of the Etihad Museum Dubai

Permanent exhibition, interactive timeline

The museum’s library

All photos Government of Dubai / Media office