UAE rulers hail ‘brightest period in history’, open $136m museum

Leaders gather at Union House in Dubai, the same location where founding fathers met 45 years ago.

UAE rulers gathered together on Friday to open Dubai’s new $136 million museum, launched as part of the country’s 45th National Day celebrations.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were joined by leaders from the other emirates at the Union House, in the same hall where the UAE’s founding fathers gathered 45 years ago.

They said in a statement that the UAE, under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is going through “the brightest period in its history”, with a globally competitive economy, world-leading services and an advanced infrastructure.

The leaders also renewed their pledge to the country’s people to continue working to further cement the union of the UAE.

They toured the new Etihad Museum, which includes a new 123-metre flag pole to replace the existing one and features a number of exhibitions, was also officially opened.

The Etihad Museum comprises eight permanent galleries in addition to a temporary gallery to exhibit items from international museums.

The museum in Jumeirah is dedicated to exhibiting the story of the nation’s development from pre-union throughout the entire time span of unity.

The entrance of the new pavilion is designed in the shape of a manuscript with seven columns that simulate the pen used to sign the declaration.

The project also includes restoring the Union House to its original state and rebuilding the Ministry House at its original location. The building will be dedicated for state visitors.

On Friday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and other UAE rulers hoisted the country’s flag at the same historic spot where the founding fathers did so 45 years ago.

Also in attendance were the ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi; the Ruler of Ajman Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami; the Ruler of Fujairah Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi; the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla; and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.