The Union House
General Description
The Union House was built in 1965 at the west end of December 2 Street, near the Jumeirah Beach. Located on Jumeirah Road, the Union House was a governmental building in which the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum conducted meetings and received guests. In 1971, the building was host to the signing of the union of the Emirates and the formation of the country. Today, it is part of the Etihad Museum and is still host to some governmental activity, considering its historical and socio-political significance.
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 'Al Mudhif' or 'Guest Residence'.The circular 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. The curving walls of this circular-shaped structure stand as a reminder of the vision, determination, and capability of the nation’s Founding Fathers. The flagpole, landscape, and shoreline around this historic location have 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.
Criteria
01
Demonstrates a meaningful association with individuals, communities or events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the UAE’s development.
02
Embodies the distinctive aesthetic, physical, or architectural attributes characteristic of the political, social, and economic trends of a particular period.
03
Demonstrates an approach to and/or a lasting influence on urban planning or architectural, urban and/or landscape design that can be characterized as significant in the UAE or globally
04
Demonstrates skill and expertise in resolving the relationships between mass, interior and exterior spaces, materials and detailing that is characteristic or an interpretation of Modern and post-Modern movements, or other recognized design movements.
05
Contributes to the community’s sense of identity and enrichment of the UAE’s diversity, or is recognized as a place of collective memory for the UAE.
Statement of Significance
Dar Al Etihad, or The Union House, stands as a profound national symbol and a touchstone of the United Arab Emirates’ historical identity. Its iconic circular design bears witness to pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s destiny. The building’s greatest significance lies in its role as the birthplace of the UAE: it was within its walls, on December 2, 1971, that the Rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah gathered around the circular table to sign the declaration of union. This act marked the formal establishment of the United Arab Emirates, transforming the structure forever into a living monument of unity and vision.
Beyond hosting the signing of the Union, Dar Al Etihad also witnessed the ratification of the ‘Treaty of Friendship’ between the UAE and the United Kingdom, further cementing its place in the annals of regional history. Its preservation is more than an act of architectural conservation: it is the safeguarding of national memory, a way to continuously inspire future generations by connecting them to the founding ideals of cooperation, hope, and collective aspiration that defined the birth of a nation. To this day, the Union House embodies the foundational values of the UAE’s leaders and remains a timeless testament to the spirit of unity, progress, and Arab identity that continues to guide the nation forward.
