‘Protectors of the Nation: Sacrifice and Giving’ Exhibition is Open for the Public at Etihad Museum

‘Protectors of the Nation: Sacrifice and Giving’ exhibition, recently opened its door to the public at Etihad Museum, an entity managed by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), which will run for six months.

The exhibition highlights the efficiency and development of the UAE Armed Forces, addressing one of their most important elements: the men and women who voluntarily devote their lives to the homeland. The exhibition charts the formation of the nation’s armed forces alongside the UAE’s own development following the Union Agreement signed on 2nd December 1971.

Muna Faisal Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Dubai Museums Company, an entity by Dubai Culture, commented: "We would like to thank our partners for their valuable contributions to this exhibition, which appreciates and recognises the vital role of the UAE Armed Forces as well as their humanitarian support of other countries, led by the Ministry of Defence and the General Command of the Armed Forces, the Military History Museum and National Archives Centre, and the main sponsor ‘Pure Health’.”

Colonel Dr. Saeed Al Kalbani, Manager of the Military History Museum and National Archives Centre, commented: “We are proud to cooperate with Dubai Culture and support this exhibition at the Etihad Museum, which is a major national monument that celebrates the establishment of the UAE and also documents the nation’s rich history for future generations. The exhibition will showcase the history and development of the UAE federation itself, followed by the history of the UAE Armed Forces, from their formation to the international humanitarian missions they are currently undertaking.”

Farhan Malik, Partner and Managing Director of Pure Health, added: “We at Pure Health are proud to be part of this exhibition as we share a vital goal with the UAE Armed Forces – working toward improving the health and livelihood of UAE citizens and residents. We often take our health and safety for granted; however, we must remember that our continuing good fortune is in large part thanks to the individuals who sacrifice their lives and put their continuous efforts toward preserving the heritage and culture of our great nation. The UAE Armed Forces are the wealth of this nation and also its fortress; they are a true symbol of the union. For this, we thank them, their officers, their personnel, and the leadership of this country."

This is the second temporary exhibition hosted by the Etihad Museum and follows the ‘Emirates to the World: Postal History from 1909 to Unification’ exhibition hosted earlier in the year, which featured a wide variety of events and activities.

The new exhibition highlights the UAE's leading efforts in spreading tolerance, brotherhood and positive values that enhance community happiness across the world, as demonstrated by the participation of the UAE Armed Forces in many global relief campaigns and peacekeeping initiatives. Thanks to this strategy, the UAE has become a humanitarian role model for the international community.

The new exhibition will also support the museum's mission to serve as an educational hub about the history of the UAE, to tell the story of its establishment, and to celebrate the dedication and commitment of its Founding Fathers through exhibitions, interactive programmes and educational initiatives.

The Etihad Museum tells the story of one of the most significant moments in the UAE’s timeline – the birth of the nation with the 1971 Union Agreement – through the eyes of the Founding Fathers. The dynamic, 21st century museum was established to serve as an intimate, informative and enjoyable insight into the events that surrounded this historic event, and has been designed to offer a holistic experience from start to finish, leading visitors on a memorable journey with interactive items to be found at every step. 

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.

The Etihad Museum is open 10:00am-8:00pm seven days a week. Admission fees for visitors are AED 25 for those aged 25 and above, AED 20 for groups, AED 10 for those aged 5–24, and free for children below the age of 5 and for visitors with special needs.