Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 10 October, 2017 3:47 pm |

Exploring national unity was the item on the agenda when a delegation from Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC) paid a visit to the Etihad Museum in Dubai. Conducted in the spirit of understanding and celebrating the roots of the UAE, the delegation took time to explore the facility, a leading national landmark that tells the history of the UAE and showcases the efforts of the Founding Fathers to create a unified Emirati society.

 

Comprising 50 employees and heads of departments from SMC, the delegation took in the museum’s various sections, including the open gallery that highlights the foundation and development of the UAE and its temporary exhibition halls, education areas, theatre and library. 

 

Among the museum’s features that the SMC representatives explored was the Founders Pavilion, which showcases the biography of each of the Founding Fathers, telling of their achievements, legacy and efforts towards creating a united federation. The pavilion also displays the rulers’ personal belongings and personal items, such as passports, official documents and old Emirati currency.

 

During their excursion, the SMC delegation paid a visit to Dar Al Etihad (Union House) located near the museum – the original building where the signing of the treaty establishing the UAE took place. They explored the yard and the Hospitality Palace, which has been restored to match its original 1971 style.

 

The employees stood before the flagpole, where the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, and his brothers, the rulers of the emirates, raised the flag of the Union for the first time on December 2, 1971, declaring the formation of the UAE.

 

Fatima Yousif Bin Sandal, Director of Governmental Communications and Marketing at SMC, said: “The Etihad Museum exemplifies a vibrant part of the unique history and heritage of the UAE and shows the enormous efforts of the Founding Fathers to develop the UAE and promote national pride.”

 

“Our visit aligns with SMC’s strategy to enhance employee happiness and foster their national identity by engaging with important aspects of the UAE’s history, including the brave decision and determination of our rulers to form the union,” she added.

 

Bin Sandal pointed out: “The location of the Etihad Museum near Union House is significant as it underscores the connection between our authentic past, prosperous present and bright future. It communicates a message across generations about the invaluable contribution of the Founding Fathers that has enabled us to further development in all fields.”

 

The 26,000 square-metre Etihad Museum was built at a cost of AED 600 million. Celebrated as a UAE landmark that tells the story of the forming the union in 1971, the facility sheds light on key events in the time period of 1968-1974, including the social and political circumstances of that led to the move from the Trucial States to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.