Etihad Museum is a museum in Jumeirah, Dubai, devoted to the history and founding of the United Arab Emirates. Its exhibitions trace the country’s formation, while the site includes Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971. From Arabian Dreams, it’s about an 8-minute drive; you can browse a room at this hotel when planning your stay.
- Location: 1 Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah, Dubai.
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Guided tours: Daily at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
- Admission: Individual tickets cost AED 25 per person.
Why Etihad Museum matters
Etihad Museum connects the story of the UAE’s founding with the place where its constitution was signed. The museum stands on a 25,000-square-metre site that includes Union House, linking the exhibitions to a key location in the country’s history.
Union House was built in 1965 at the west end of December 2 Street, near Jumeirah Beach. The union of the Emirates was signed there in 1971. Today it forms part of Etihad Museum and has been restored to its original 1970s appearance.
The museum’s architecture also refers to that history. Canadian architects Moriyama and Teshima designed the building, with a curved white roof inspired by the constitution. Seven columns represent the pens used to sign the agreement.
What to see in the museum
The exhibitions focus particularly on events from 1968 to 1974, using photographs, films and interactive displays to explain the UAE’s formation. That focus gives you a clear thread to follow through the museum: the developments leading up to union and the years around its founding.
Union House is another central part of a visit. It places the signing of the union in its physical setting, rather than presenting the story only through exhibition material. The wider site also includes a library, an education centre, a temporary exhibition hall and a restaurant.
Planning tickets and visiting time
The museum information sheet gives daily opening hours of 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 7:00 PM, and guided tours at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Opening times, tours and admission details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00–20:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Dubai Administrative Resolution No. 256 of 2024 sets individual admission at AED 25 per person. Group admission for groups of five or more is AED 20 per person, and full-time students aged 5 to 24 pay AED 10 per person.
Children under 5, people with disabilities accompanied by one escort, senior UAE citizens and holders of valid International Council of Museums membership cards are exempt from admission charges.
Wheelchairs are available for complimentary use, subject to availability. Toilets and prayer rooms are also available. For questions before your visit, Visit Dubai gives the museum’s telephone number as +971 800 33222 and email as Etihad.Museum@dubaiculture.ae.
How do you get to Etihad Museum from Bur Dubai?
The museum’s address is 1 Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah, Dubai, and the official UAE government map places it at the Cross of 2nd December Street. From Bur Dubai, use the museum’s address or that intersection to identify the destination when arranging your journey.
For a broader day plan in the area, this one-day Dubai itinerary from a Bur Dubai base provides a related starting point.
Nearby sights to pair with the visit
Jumeirah Mosque is a nearby sight in the museum’s Jumeirah area, making it a natural pairing to consider when planning time in the neighbourhood. Dubai Frame is another possible addition if you’re building a wider Dubai itinerary. Its dedicated Dubai Frame visit guide covers tickets and planning.
FAQs
What is Etihad Museum about?
Etihad Museum tells the history of the United Arab Emirates and its founding. Its exhibitions focus especially on events between 1968 and 1974.
Where is Etihad Museum?
It is at 1 Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah, Dubai, at the Cross of 2nd December Street.
Does Etihad Museum have guided tours?
Daily guided tours take place at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.