ABU DHABI // Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, visited the Wahat Al Karama (Oasis of Dignity) memorial on Monday.
He was accompanied by Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, and other senior officials and ambassadors.
The memorial, which consists of 31 metal panels leaning against each other, was built to honour the Emirati heroes who died for their country and is located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Armed Forces General Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Abdullah was welcomed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun, Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, before they visited the Pavilion of Honour, where the names of the heroes and verses from the Quran are engraved on the walls.
He concluded the tour by writing a statement in the book of honour, reported state news agency Wam.
“I am totally honoured and proud to express my great gratitude to the loyal citizens who sacrificed their most precious belonging to defend and protect the UAE,” said Sheikh Abdullah.
Dr Gargash wrote a statement in the book citing a verse from the Quran that says: “And reckon not those who are killed in Allah’s way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord.”
He said the memory of the heroes would live on “as we are building the proud and glorious nation for their sons and ours”.
“Our four-colour flag will always flutter high. Glory and immortality be for them.”
The Wahat Al Karama memorial was built after directives from the President, Sheikh Khalifa.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
