The Union House: Home to an Historic Moment
‘Dar Al Etihad’, which is Arabic for The Union House is the official birthplace of the United Arab Emirates and a building of great national significance.
Etihad Museum - Union House ExteriorEtihad Museum
On 2nd December 1971, the rulers of the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaima and Fujairah, gathered at this very location to sign the 'Declaration of Union' that resulted in the formation of the United Arab Emirates.
Restored to its original 1970s appearance, the Union House was a part of the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, which was then known as 'Dar Al Dafiya' or Guest Residence.
Etihad Museum - Union House InteriorEtihad Museum
Originally used by the ruler of Dubai to conduct meetings and host guests, it wasn’t until the rulers of the Emirates sat at the circular table here to sign the declaration, that it became a historic symbol of unity.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi by Oscar MitriEtihad Museum
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman between the years 1928-1981, during the signing of the 1971 'Union Agreement' at the Union House.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi by Oscar MitriEtihad Museum
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah between the years 1942-1974, during the signing of the 1971 'Union Agreement' at the Union House.
Signing of Independence Memorandum by Oscar MitriEtihad Museum
Signing of the 'Treaty of Friendship' between the UAE and the UK at the Union House in 1971.
Etihad Museum - Union House InteriorEtihad Museum
The building has been preserved in its original form, with some structural improvements and restorations, and even today, guests are overcome with the sheer immensity of the history contained within its walls as soon as they step in.
Etihad Museum - Union House InteriorEtihad Museum
The curving walls of this circular shaped structure stand as a reminder of the vision, determination and capability of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
Dar Al Etihad (Union House) by Oscar MitriEtihad Museum
Oscar Mitri captured in this photograph the individual flags of the seven emirates prior to the establishment of the Union, hoisted at the main entrance to the Union House.
Etihad Museum - Union House ExteriorEtihad Museum
The flagpole, landscape and shoreline around this historic location has been designed to replicate its original appearance in 1971, so every visitor here is walking through a physical manifestation in time that eternally relives the momentous occasion of 'The Union' in the nation’s timeline.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.