The Founder’s Memorial, a permanent national tribute commemorating the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was inaugurated at an official ceremony today (February 26) under the directives of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah.

 

The Founder’s Memorial inauguration, through the unveiling of 'The Constellation', the monumental artwork that forms its centrepiece, coincides with the national Year of Zayed initiative, said state news agency Wam.

 

Located at the heart of The Founder’s Memorial, the monumental artwork by public artist Ralph Helmick depicts a dynamic three-dimensional portrait of Sheikh Zayed, and can be experienced differently from multiple viewing points around the memorial and from other vantage points, offering a series of infinitely evolving personal encounters with his image.

 

The Constellation is made up of more than 1,300 geometric shapes suspended on more than 1,000 cables. At night, these shapes shine like stars, evoking the timelessness of Sheikh Zayed’s vision as a guiding light for the UAE people, said the report.

 

A moving tribute to Sheikh Zayed, the man and the leader, the 30-minute ceremony created an atmosphere of great pride and joy.

 

The ceremony took place in the presence of members of the UAE’s royal families, ministers, dignitaries and VIPs, who gathered at the site on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, while members of the public across the country and the region watched the poignant occasion on TV and online.

 

It included a performance featuring a 40-strong choir performing Allah Ya Dar Zayed, as well as beautiful new arrangements of other traditional songs and music, and a touching compilation of Sheikh Zayed's performances of the traditional Ayala dance.

 

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed said that the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed would remain in the hearts and minds of the sons of this nation. "Sheikh Zayed wanted the country to have a pioneering role among the nations of the world and to remain strong," he added. 

 

He went on to say that the leadership’s unwavering goal has been the happiness of its people.

 

"Zayed's legacy will remain a never-ending source of wisdom from which future generations draw inspiration as well as lessons of patriotism and dedication. The Founder’s Memorial will continue to testify to the achievements of the founding leader and the sacrifices he made. His legacy is filled with stories of loyalty to the homeland, and it places a responsibility on us and on future generations to safeguard the gains, and build on the success stories so that our homeland remains a symbol of dignity and development," Sheikh Mohammed said.

 

"Today, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, our brothers the UAE Rulers, and I inaugurated the Founder’s Memorial," said the Premier. 

 

"It is an important message that links future generations to the memory of the leader who laid the foundations of the nation. It is a message that the youth must absorb and work to achieve in various sectors to continue the process initiated by Zayed and the UAE’s Founders and to build the future of a country that wants its citizens always to excel," he added.

 

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: "The Founding Father would continue to inspire current and future generations with his humanity, leadership and wisdom."

 

The Founder’s Memorial, he stated, would help people understand how the happiness of his countrymen was Sheikh Zayed’s only goal. 

 

"He instilled the values of hard work, giving and dedication in his people, inspiring them to take the country to new heights under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa," he observed.

 

"We proudly unveil the Founder’s Memorial to celebrate Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and achievements," he continued adding that the Founding Father was unmatched in his humanity, wisdom and leadership. "He founded a state, built a nation and personally shaped a civilisation," he added.

 

Set against the backdrop of the landscape of The Founder’s Memorial beyond, the cinematic event traced the late leader’s life and legacy, honouring his tireless efforts in building a strong and sustainable nation, and celebrating his memory as a man of the people and a global figure remembered for his wisdom and respect for others, said the Wam report.

 

As if told by Sheikh Zayed himself, the story unfolded through his voice, through his actions – depicted in rarely-seen footage and imagery – and through people whose lives he touched, including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Ali bin Salem Al Kaabi; Major-General Hamad bin Suhail Al Khaili; Mubarak bin Qaran Al Mansoori, and Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State.

 

When The Founder’s Memorial opens to the public in Spring 2018, it will include a dynamic, informative and inspirational visitor experience.

 

A place to learn about Sheikh Zayed through art, landscape, words, stories and multimedia experiences. The Founder’s Memorial will offer visitors a range of personal encounters with the late Sheikh Zayed as a man and a leader, enabling people to gain a deeper understanding of his life, legacy and values, stated the report.

 

The site will open up 3.3 hectares of pristine public space to the UAE community for walking and quiet reflection, featuring landscaped areas planted with trees and shrubs indigenous to the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, and an elevated walkway that will offer captivating views of The Constellation, The Corniche and the Abu Dhabi skyline, it added.