This unique cultural attraction celebrates the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder known as the Father of the Nation. This memorial offers locals and international travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the UAE, with experiences that reveal aspects of the country's broader social, cultural and environmental heritage, from art to stories, exhibitions and more.
Spread over 3.3 hectares of beautifully landscaped public space with native flora, the memorial includes a Sanctuary Garden with seating areas and a traditional falaj (ancient irrigation system), a Heritage Garden with medicinal desert plants, and an elevated walkway that offers a captivating view of the Arabian Gulf, the dazzling city skyline and the centerpiece of the Founder's Memorial, The Constellation.
This incredible and monumental public artwork features a three-dimensional portrait of Sheikh Zayed designed by artist Ralph Helmick. Housed in a 30 meter high pavilion, the constellation consists of 1,327 geometric shapes suspended by 1,110 cables, allowing for a series of face-to-face encounters with the image of Sheikh Zayed. At night, the floating shapes shine like stars, commemorating Sheikh Zayed's role as the guiding light for the UAE and its people. This celestial spectacle evokes the timelessness of Sheikh Zayed's vision, which continues to guide the UAE on the path of progress and prosperity. The floating shapes are five different types of regular, convex polyhedra known as "platonic solids" and are known for their mathematical beauty and symmetry. One of the largest art installations of its kind in the world, the constellation is unique in its use of abstract portraiture at this scale. This fascinating work of art can be viewed from several vantage points around the memorial.