All about Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi
There are several places for quiet reflection in Abu Dhabi, one of the more popular being the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. But those who live or visit the emirate regularly also know of another landmark nearby — Wahat Al Karama. What is Wahat Al Karama and what significance does the landmark have in the history of the UAE? Let’s find out.
What is Wahat Al Karama?
A name that literally translates into “the oasis of dignity” Wahat Al Karama is a war memorial in Abu Dhabi. The permanent tribute honours Emirati soldiers martyred in the line of duty and other Emiratis who gave up their lives for the service of their country. Created by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to immortalize the memories of the nation’s heroes, the site is a popular tourist destination and a way for visitors to pay their own respects to the country’s fallen soldiers, civil servicemen and women.
Wahat Al Karama Architecture
From the 31 massive aluminium inscribed tablets supporting each other, to the glittering pool built specifically to reflect the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — a first glimpse of the Wahat Al Karama memorial is enough to make any new visitor stare in awe.
Symbolic Representation
Built within seven months, the structure was inaugurated on November 30th in 2016. The date of the inauguration also marks the day that the country’s lost its first soldier in the battle of the Greater Tunb in 1971.
Everything from the placement of the slabs to the engravings have a symbolic significance here. For example, the leaning design of the structure is used to denote the solidarity, unity and mutual values of the nation.
Additionally, the 46,000 sq.m. site also features a small stream of water that symbolises the first irrigation system in the UAE. The tablets themselves are composed of 1000 aluminium cast panels and are inscribed with quotations and poems by the founding father of the UAE — His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his son and current ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and other rulers as well as heads of state in the UAE.
Memorial Plaza
Surrounded by a terraced amphitheater, the 4000 sq.m. Memorial Plaza is a wide circular space. Made from travertine stone shipped from Turkey, the whole space can easily accommodate up to 1200 people. Special mention goes to the pool at the centre. Positioned to reflect the Memorial panels and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the pool is a popular spot for smartphone and camera-wielding tourists.
Pavilion of Honour
A solid polygon-like structure, the Pavilion of Honour is comprised of a circular inner wall which is covered with over 2,800 aluminium plates. Made from metal reclaimed from tanks used in service with the UAE army, the plates feature the names of the country’s heroes.
The focal point of the Pavilion is the beautiful large glass panels. The pool of moving water beneath the seven panels amplifies their beauty.
The roof itself comprises of eight slabs — with the eighth representing servicemen and women — and the seven symbolizing the number of emirates in the country. In addition to two Quranic verses at the interior wall and entrance, other inscriptions in the Pavilion include the Pledge of Allegiance of the UAE armed forces which are inscribed on the glass panels.
Names are inscribed onto the aluminium tablets to remember the fallen. Examples include soldiers who died fighting in 1971 and those who lost their lives battling in Yemen.
Wahat Al Karama Visitors Centre
Accessible to the public, the Wahat Al Karama Visitor’s Centre is specifically designed for the public. The centre features an interactive visitor experience that relates the story of the country’s heroes and the story of the Memorial itself. Another point of interest is the roof. Providing access to visitors, the roof offers a better view of the site, mosque and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge located further away.
Wahat Al Karama Location
Wahat Al Karama is located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the General Headquarters of the UAE armed forces.
That’s all for our review of the Wahat Al Karama memorial site. To delve more into the country’s history, check out the heritage sites in Abu Dhabi. Looking for more cultural sites in the UAE? If you happen to be in Dubai, do visit the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.
