The Founder’s Memorial, a permanent national tribute commemorating the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was inaugurated in an official ceremony at the site on the Abu Dhabi Corniche on Monday under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, and H.H. 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, declared by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed to mark 100 years since the birth of Sheikh Zayed.
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.
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.
A moving tribute to Sheikh Zayed, the man and the leader, the 30-minute ceremony created an atmosphere of great pride and joy.
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.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said that the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed would remain in the hearts and minds of the sons of this nation. He added that Sheikh Zayed wanted the country to have a pioneering role among the nations of the world and to remain strong. He went on to say that the leadership’s unwavering goal has been the happiness of its people.
Image credit: WAM