Dubai: Another landmark celebrating the country’s history will soon dominate the skyline of Jumeirah beach — a 123-metre mega flagpole — along with the Union Museum.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the construction of a mega flagpole featuring the UAE Flag at Jumeirah Open Beach.
With a height of 123 metres, or almost as high as a 40-storey residential building, the flagpole will be another iconic landmark in Dubai.
The proposed flagpole will replace the current 120-metre flagpole at the Union House, which bears the country’s second largest flag. But its location will be moved to the open beach.
Once completed, the pole will be one of the country’s tallest flagpoles, and seventh tallest in the world. A flagpole of similar height can be found on Flag Island opposite the old Al Jazeera Park in Sharjah.
Shaikh Mohammad has also approved the final design and main components of the Union Museum, which will be constructed at the country’s symbol of unity, Union House.
This historical landmark was the birthplace of the United Arab Emirates when leaders of what was then called the Trucial States signed a treaty creating the Arab world’s first federation on December 2, 1971.
Heritage destination
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the Union House will act as a destination for citizens, residents and tourists who want to learn more about the phases and challenges the UAE experienced during its formation.
“It [Union House] spotlights the roles of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum in laying the foundation for the formation of the union, familiarising visitors with the nature of jobs of UAE residents during the pre-federation era, and showcasing the sweeping development and key achievements made by the UAE during its blessed development drive,” Al Tayer said.
The design of the museum is inspired by portraits of the six rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain during the signing of the UAE constitution in 1971.
The key elements of the museum take after the pen and document containing the provisions of the constitution. This concept is complemented by the inkstand replicated in the Union House. The simple lines on the external profile of the building signify a nimbly folded paper, giving it a unique manifestation without overshadowing the shape of the Union House.
With the new design, the Union House will have eight sections that will showcase the country’s journey from the pre-union era to the present.
