Union House Recognised on UAE Modern Architectural Heritage Register

DUBAI, UAE – The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Al Serkal Advisory, has officially added Union House to the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, recognising one of the UAE's most significant historic landmarks. The announcement was made according to WAM.

The designation was announced during a visit by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, highlighting the UAE's continued commitment to preserving landmarks that reflect the nation's historical, cultural and architectural identity.

During the visit, H.H. Sheikha Latifa and Sheikh Salem unveiled the commemorative plaque marking Union House's inclusion in the Register. Established by the Ministry of Culture, the National Register documents and preserves buildings and sites of architectural and historical significance across the UAE, strengthening the country's cultural identity and national narrative.

The delegation also toured Union House, where the meetings that culminated in the declaration of the UAE's Union on 2 December 1971 took place. The landmark continues to stand as a symbol of unity and the shared vision of the Founding Fathers.

The visit concluded with a session titled "The Union House: Celebrating Modern Architectural Heritage," presented by Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President. During the session, he reflected on the formative years of the UAE and emphasised the importance of preserving modern architectural landmarks that document the nation's development and safeguard its cultural legacy.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa said Union House occupies a unique place in the UAE's collective memory as the birthplace of the Union and the site where the Founding Fathers came together to realise their vision for the nation.

She added that the values established within its walls continue to inspire the UAE's progress and expressed pride in Union House becoming the first site included in the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, describing the designation as an important step in preserving the country's modern heritage for future generations.

Sheikh Salem said the inclusion reflects the exceptional national significance of a landmark associated with one of the defining moments in the UAE's history.

“The Union House remains an enduring symbol of the unity that laid the foundations of the UAE and shaped its development and prosperity,” he said. “By including it in the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting sites of exceptional national and cultural value, ensuring their sustainability as sources of knowledge and inspiration, and preserving them as living testimonies to the achievements the UAE has realised since the establishment of the Union.”

He added that the Register reflects the Ministry of Culture's commitment to documenting the UAE's modern architectural heritage and raising awareness of buildings associated with defining milestones in the nation's history.

Originally constructed in 1965 as the Guest Palace, Union House was commissioned by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. It hosted the historic meetings that led to the signing of the UAE Constitution and the declaration of the Union on 2 December 1971, and later welcomed Gulf leaders and dignitaries throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Architecturally, the building is distinguished by two interlocking structures supported by cylindrical concrete columns, complemented by glass and aluminium façades that reflect the characteristics of local architecture during the second half of the twentieth century.

Today, Union House forms part of the Union Museum, preserving and presenting the story of the UAE's founding and the enduring values of the Union.

The National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage was launched alongside the inaugural meeting of the National Identity Committee under the UAE National Identity Strategy and the National Policy for Preserving Modern Architectural Heritage.

Its first phase includes 10 buildings recognised for their contribution to the evolution of modern architecture in the UAE. In addition to Union House, the Register includes Rashid Tower, Deira Clock Tower, the National Consultative Council building at Qasr Al Hosn, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, the Islamic Institute at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, Khalid Bin Mohammed School, Al Qasimia School, the Special Education Support Centre in Sharjah, and Saqr Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah.