First and largest panel of UAE Martyrs’ Memorial installed

The monument is located to the east of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where each of the fallen heroes will have his name individually honoured.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, visited the site of the Martyrs’ Memorial. WAM

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, visited the site of the Martyrs’ Memorial to witness the installation of the first and largest of the metal panels, standing 23 metres tall, making up the monument’s main structure.

Sheikh Khalifa oversaw the progress being made on the memorial site, which is set to open on the second annual Commemoration Day on November 30, reported Wam, the state news agency.

“The monument represents the pride that the UAE’s wise leadership takes in the sacrifices made by our heroes to keep our heads high and to come to the aid of those in need,” he said.

“This monument, which is a true reflection of the value of loyalty in Emirati culture, bears witness to the sacrifices made by our countrymen and their devotion in the service of the nation,” he added.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Miral, said: “We are honoured to be able to contribute to the development of the Memorial Park, as it embodies this nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by our brave heroes. We are proud to witness the installation of the first and largest panel of this historical and symbolic monument.”

The main monument will be made up of 31 metal panels leaning on one another and engraved with Arabic calligraphy.

The design, created by British artist Idris Khan, was chosen for powerfully conveying the concepts of unity, strength, solidarity, devotion, and loyalty.

The primary panel, which constitutes the keystone of the entire edifice, will be engraved with poems and verses written by the UAE’s Founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while one of the other monumental panels bears the pledge of allegiance of the UAE Armed Forces.

The monument is located to the east of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Members of public will be able to stay up to date with the progress made in the construction of the monument by visiting the website www.thememorial.ae.

The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office was established under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.