RTA teams up with National Archives on Union Museum project

The National Archives will help the project with documents, manuscripts and images documenting the drive towards establishing the federation of the UAE.

DUBAI // The Roads and Transport Authority is to join forces with the National Archives in setting up the Union Museum, which is now being built.

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the RTA, said the National Archives would play a vital part in establishing the museum, which is being built next to Union House and the large UAE flag at Jumeirah Road.

“The National Archives will support the team overseeing construction of the Union Gallery with documents, manuscripts and images documenting the drive towards establishing the federation of the UAE, as the National Archives is considered the main reference of documentation in the UAE,” said Mr Al Tayer.

“The Union Museum aims to underscore the historical value of the location and the building that saw the signing and announcement of the UAE Federation.”

The museum will serve tourists, students and researchers looking to find out more about the challenges of Federation and achievements in that era, he added.

The museum “also intends to educate visitors about the nature and lifestyles of residents of the emirates in the pre-Federation era and spotlight the sweeping development and landmark achievements witnessed by the UAE”.

Dr Abdullah Al Rayes, director general of the archives, said the museum would also offer a way for expatriates to learn about the UAE’s heritage and traditions.