Traditional house | Residential Majlis

The house of the late Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Nahyan, the grandfather of the previous present of the UAE the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The residence was built in 1958 and coincided with the introduction of cement in Al Ain, hence new and traditional regional typical construction material were applied. The house is an example of the transition period of architecture in the UAE from 1930s to 1960s. Differing from the traditional fort residence at the time, the house owner welcomed guests in a formal majlis setting, complemented with a formal dining space at the entrance of the house and sperate from the inner quarters of the home.

Union House | Governmental Majlis

The Union House, also known as the Dar Al Etihad, is the site where the Union Accord in 1971 was formerly signed by the leaders of each emirate. The round building was restored to its original design and is part of the Etihad Museum, which opened in 2017 to the public and highlights history of the formation of the UAE. The distinctive curved building includes the circular shaped table of the union agreement signing. This special gathering space is the location where rulers of the emirates gathered and signed the declaration of Union that resulted in the formation of the United Arab Emirates.

Governmental Majlis

The Etihad Guest Palace is part of the Etihad Museum, which opened in 2017. From the Arabic word Etihad translating to union, the Etihad Museum highlights the history of the formation of the UAE in 1971. The site of the museum includes the Etihad Guest Palace and within that the majlis of the former ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum majlis was restored to its original appearance from 1971 and displays décor of the nation building period in the UAE. Here guests were welcomed by the ruler of Dubai. With its characteristic u-shape form, guests entering the majlis enjoy direct views to the outside garden and the special seating of the ruler at the front of the majlis.