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The museum is next to Union House, the birthplace of the UAE where in 1971 the treaty was signed to create the Arab world's first federation. Visitors can learn about the heritage of the UAE, what life was like before the treaty was signed and how the country has developed economically since 1971.
The museum was earlier inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, fittingly on the UAE's 45th National Day on December 2 last year. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates witnessed the inauguration.
"Today I met with my brothers Mohammed bin Zayed & the Rulers of the UAE at Union House where the Union Treaty was signed 45 years ago," Shaikh Mohammed had tweeted then. "We met as our founding fathers did; although time has passed, our values, ambitions, and spirit of unity endure.
"We inaugurated the Etihad Museum, the latest national monument to commemorate our union for generations to come. The Etihad Museum stands beside the Union House, honouring our journey and unity; I urge our youth to visit and learn from our history," he added.
The Etihad Museum presents experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the formation of the Union of the Emirates in 1971. The key emphasis is on the period between 1968 and 1974.
Through interactive exhibits and learning programmes, the museum tells the story of the Union's creation from the perspective of the country's leaders. The experience also aims to educate visitors about the nation's constitution, in particular the rights, privileges and responsibilities that it bestows upon the people of the UAE.
The museum collection includes objects and documents relating to the events of the formation of the UAE, and will contribute to an active research and publishing programme on the story of the Union.
Quick facts
> Opening hours: 10am to 8pm daily
> Ticket prices: Dh25 for those aged 25 and above; Dh10 for those aged between six and 24 years; and free entry for those aged under five years
> Etihad Museum is spread over an area of 26,000 square metres
> The structure is in the shape of a manuscript, inspired by the Unification Agreement, with the seven leaning columns represent the pens that signed the declaration of the constitution in 1971
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