Dubai is well known for always looking towards the future, but a new museum in the Emirate gives visitors a deeper look into the UAE’s past. Etihad Museum chronicles the era before the country’s founding, the agreement signing and subsequent declaration of the Union in 1971. The museum also provides insight and understanding of the UAE constitution and the rights and responsibilities of Emirati citizens. The building design was inspired by the shape of a manuscript, with seven columns symbolising the pens used to sign the Union agreement. As part of the museum initiative, the original Union House where leaders signed the treaty establishing the country was restored, and the famous flagpole at the end of 2nd of December Street was replaced with a slightly taller 123m pole. Open daily from 10am to 8pm. Visit www.etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.ae.