Etihad Museum, Dubai: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Etihad Museum Overview

Etihad Museum also referred to as The Union Museum is a world-class heritage museum that brings historians, explorers, and mere patrons to the rich heritage of Dubai. It embraces age-old values and emphasizes the power of consistency across generations, right from ancient to the contemporary Emirati identity. It allows its citizens and foreigners to explore the region-specific culture and heritage through an interactive and participative way. It also aims to disseminate knowledge among guests about the constitution, rights and privileges it confers on UAE. Thus, it ensures a surreal experience and gives great insights about the traditional lifestyle of Dubai, and the UAE.

The main purpose of the museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret the material and other findings. Finally, it’s kept for exhibition, conducting awareness and educational programs, where people from a young age to a mature man can visit and celebrate the rich culture. The Museum has segregated all its findings into three different themes, namely, Acquisitions, Departments, and External Departments. Some of the notable items are antiques, artefacts, vessels, paintings, and so on, and they’re arranged in chronological order. So, one can easily understand its evolution right from the beginning era. Thus, this unique place concentrates on historic milestones in the years that lead to the unification of the United Arab Emirates and pays tribute to the country’s seven founding fathers.

Here, all the materials and documents are related to the events of the founding fathers of the UAE. Through continuous research and discovery, the museum will contribute immense value and respect to the culture and heritage of Dubai and the UAE. Moreover, it constantly inspires every discoverer and adventurer to dig deep into the place and unveil the ancestors’ unique characteristics. Hence, it carries a vital character in the 21st century and celebrates the commitment, dedication, and the patriotism of the founders of the State.

How To Reach

The museum is situated at Jumeirah Road along Route D94. And it’s 13 km away from the Dubai Airport. One can use the metro, bus, or a taxi to reach the destination. If you’re hiring a cab, ask the driver to drop at the Union House. Since it’s a fairly new place, not too many people are aware of it.

If you’re using the Dubai metro, then the nearest metro stations are Al Jafiliya Station, World Trade Centre, and Emirates Towers. Similarly, the nearest bus stops are Dhiyafa 1, Dhiyafa 2, and ENOC Dhiyafa. Since the airport is well connected by roads and rails, one can easily reach the place.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Etihad Museum is during 11.00 am, where one can get enormous time to explore all intriguing facts of Dubai and its culture. Considering plenty of attractions within the museum, it is advised to visit the museum in the morning and get to know the historic times of the place. Similarly, in a year, one can come between November and March, where they can enjoy the environment at the same time explore the ancient sculptures, documents, etc. at ease.

Other Essential Information

Location – It’s situated at 1 Jumeirah Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Timings – The general timing is from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm, and it’s open every day.

Price – There are two types of tickets. A general ticket is 25 AED, and a group ticket is 20 AED. Based on the number of visitors, tourists can buy tickets accordingly.

Tips for Visiting Etihad Museum

- Tourists can plan their visit during weekends, rather than on weekdays and it’s due to school crowd during the weekdays.

- Tourists must experience the hi-tech auditorium, exclusively for portraying the history of the union, followed by interactive sessions with important dignitaries.

- If you’re feeling tired or hungry, you can take a break and enjoy a vibrant drink or snack at the Seven Sands Cafe, which is located on the 3rd floor of the premises.

- Due to security reasons, tourists must always carry their valid ID proof with them.

- Tourists can come in a decent or format apparel rather than in shorts. They should ensure it looks appropriate to the environment. For women, they can carry a shawl just in case.

Etihad Museum FAQs

What are the operational days and timings of Etihad Museum?

The operational days of Etihad Museum are from Monday to Sunday throughout the year. One can plan his visit any day in a week, irrespective of public holidays and experience the great culture and heritage of Dubai. When it comes to timings, it’s operating daily from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm, in which there are two introductive tours organized every day. One is at 11.00 am and the second at 5.00 pm. If you’ve opted for anyone of the timings, you must arrive here at least 30 minutes before the tour starting time. Please note that this is one of the few places in Dubai, open on every Friday.

Is there any discount for students? If so, what are the criteria to avail the student ticket?

Yes. There is a special discount given to students. As we know, an adult ticket price to the museum is 25 AED. Similarly, a group of 10 people or more can pay 20 AED per ticket and enjoy the attractions. For students aged between 5 and 24 years can pay a discounted price of 10 AED. The students are requested to carry their school ID card just in case. And for children, less than 5 years of age and the differently-abled person can enter and explore all attractions without paying any money. Moreover, for students, the museum offers an education centre, mainly to get aware of the traditional practices being followed by their ancestors.

Is the camera allowed in the museum?

Yes. Tourists can bring their camera and take pictures of certain areas. As per the museum rules, guests can take photographs here solo, or with their dear ones, however, they cannot capture the historically significant sections of the museum. Due to security reasons, the management has made certain restrictions on tourists with regards to photography. Please note that commercial photography or videography is strictly prohibited. If anyone found with a tripod, high-definition camera, or any other professional equipment, it will be confiscated immediately by the security personnel. Later, they need to face the consequences.

What makes Etihad Museum so special?

This world-heritage museum consists of a variety of photographs, videos and interactive displays, where tourists can indulge in every attraction and get the most insights out of it. The best part is that there are totally 10 halls, including many exhibitions, followed by a library, a theatre, an interactive timeline, including maps and educational videos. Thus, it gives a wholesome experience to all its visitors. Apart from that, when you look at its exterior, the museum was constructed in the shape of a manuscript, with seven leaning columns representing the pens that signed the declaration of the Constitution in 1971.

Is there any advance ticket booking for the museum?

Yes. There is a booking system available for the Etihad Museum, where tourists can book their tickets at least 1 day prior to the actual planned date. Since there is no official website available for the museum to do advance booking, they need to buy tickets through ‘Headout’. Once you’ve booked the tickets, just make sure you got the confirmation details. On the day of the tour, you need to show that ticket, and then you can enter the building.

Are Ramadan timings different to visit Etihad Museum?

During Ramadan season, there are different timings followed in the Etihad Museum. The operating hours of the museum are from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. After 5.00 pm, the museum will be closed for the rest of the day. Visitors who’ve planned during Ramadan can come as early as possible and enjoy the place at your convenience.

How can I get to Etihad Museum from Burj Khalifa?

The Etihad Museum is located approximately 8 km away from Burj Khalifa. The easiest way to reach the destination is by taking a cab. In the cab, you can arrive at the place in less than 15 minutes depending on the traffic conditions. If not, you can take a stroll and reach the place in 25 – 30 minutes. Since the overall distance is very less, there is no metro station located in between the two places.

Does this museum has a library?

Yes. This museum has a huge library, consists of more than 3,000 books in different genres. It mainly comprises of political, social and historical books, followed by magazines, booklets, CDs, and other educational items with respect to the United Arab Emirates. One can delve into the collection of books and learn more about the history, culture, etc. right from the ancient times. Thus, it gives a great deal of insights to the visitors and makes their visit a memorable one.

How long does it take to explore the museum?

One can take nearly 2 – 3 hours to explore the whole museum. When you look at the museum’s facilities, it has a temporary exhibition hall, a library, a classroom, a gift shop, a multipurpose hall, and then restaurants and coffee shops. Apart from that, there are plenty of other attractions like the Art Work, Union Tree Garden, Dreams of Unity, The Constitution, and many more. If you feel mentally exhausted after exploring some of the attractions, you can take refreshments and rejuvenate your body and mind instantly.

What is the history of Etihad Museum?

The Etihad Museum was built primarily to honour the most significant moment in UAE’s history – the birth of the country at the Union House. This Union House has huge historical importance, where the 7 rulers of the 7 emirates came together in 1971 to sign the declaration, and it formally marked the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The Union House was ordered for re-construction, including all the windows and railings. However, the logo was inspired by the Union House. Later, within 17 months, this historically famous masterpiece was re-constructed and made available to the public.

Can I take food inside the Museum?

No. Apparently, tourists cannot take their food and/or beverages to the museum. However, there are restaurants and coffee shops available inside and served on request. So, while coming, please carry your wallet with you having enough cash in it.