All you need to know about the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi
Many tourist attractions in the UAE have historical significance but few can claim to be as truly iconic as the Founder’s Memorial Abu Dhabi. This beautiful tribute to the remarkable legacy of the UAE’s founding father, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, should definitely be on any visitor to the UAE’s ‘must-visit’ list.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL ABU DHABI
Sheikh Zayed Memorial Abu Dhabi was built to commemorate the life and the legacy of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Through art and multimedia presentations, we can experience the true genius of a man who touched millions of lives.
The Founder’s Memorial UAE was designed to help the new generation have a deeper understanding of the influence of the great leader and founding father of the UAE. There’s a lot to observe and learn at the Founder’s Memorial Abu Dhabi.
FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL WELCOME CENTRE
When you visit the Founder’s Memorial Abu Dhabi, the first stop is the Founder’s Memorial Welcome Centre. A state-of-the-art multimedia experience awaits you at this central venue. You can see personal stories, interviews, articles and old footage of the man who transformed the destiny of the capital city and the country. These screenings take place every fifteen minutes and offer a fascinating insight into the life of the UAE’s founder.
THE CONSTELLATION
The main attraction at the Founder’s Memorial Abu Dhabi is the Constellation. Built by internationally renowned artist Ralph Helmick, it is a three-dimensional portrait of the late H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. You can view it from three directions and at night, The Constellation shines like a star.
Housed in a 30m-high structure, the beauty of the masterpiece comes from its unique design as 1,327 geometric shapes are suspended on 1,110 cables, which combine to create a series of images of the Founder of the UAE. If you understand symmetry, it might interest you to know that the suspended shapes have five variations of regular as well as convex polyhedrons. These are also known as ‘platonic solids’.
The Constellation Abu Dhabi, interestingly, is one of the largest art installations in the world. It has played an important part in the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi becoming one of the most famous tourist attractions in the last year.
THE SPACE
Once you have gone through the presentation, you can stroll in the Sanctuary Garden, the Heritage Garden and the Elevated Walkway. Keeping in view the Founder’s love for nature, this space is covered with indigenous trees and plants.
In the Heritage Garden, you will see various plants like Suwac, Harmal, Caralluma, Desert Cotton and Heena.
Similarly, the Sanctuary Garden has Ghaf and Sidr trees that provide shade and relief from the heat. Tree species like Nakhl, Fitneh and Samr can also be found across the memorial site.
As you walk ahead, you will find a water feature. This is designed based on the UAE’s falaj irrigation system which was part of life in the Arabian Peninsula for many generations.
From the elevated walkway, you can see the mesmerising Abu Dhabi skyline and some beautiful artwork. The path displays visionary quotes from the Founder as well.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL ABU DHABI
To celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of UAE’s founder, the current UAE president and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2018 as the Year of Zayed. The Founders Memorial Abu Dhabi opening was part of the festivities surrounding this iconic announcement. The Founder’s Memorial Abu Dhabi opening in April 2018 witnessed a crowd of thousands.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN VISITING THE FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL
- There are two restrooms available on-site: one in the Sanctuary Garden, other at the Welcome Centre.
- You can also find baby-changing areas and prayer rooms at the Welcome Centre
- Visitor information is available at the Welcome Centre
- There are restrictions on bringing food and drinks from the outside
- Photography is allowed. The use of photography for commercial purposes is allowed only if you have taken permission from the management beforehand.
- You must dress modestly to visit the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi.
GETTING THERE
The Founder’s Memorial is located in the Al Ras Al Akhdar district, close to attractions like the The Observation Deck at 300 and Qasr Al Watan. To reach The Founder’s Memorial location in Abu Dhabi, follow the directions using Google plus code: F88F+53 Abu Dhabi.
FAQs
WHO IS THE FOUNDER OF THE UAE?
H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is known as the founding father of the UAE.
DO I HAVE TO BUY TICKETS TO ENTER THE MEMORIAL?
No, Sheikh Zayed Founder’s Memorial entry is free.
CAN I TAKE GUIDED TOURS OF THE MEMORIAL?
Yes. The 30-minute tours by Emirati Cultural Tour guides take place every day between 09:00 am and 10:00 pm. You can opt for an English or Arabic tour guide. These guided tours are free.
CAN I BOOK MY TOUR TO THE SHEIKH ZAYED MEMORIAL ABU DHABI?
Yes, you can pre-book your tour for large groups. Please visit the official website for more details. Since space is limited, we recommend advance booking.
HOW CAN I CONTACT SHEIKH ZAYED MEMORIAL ABU DHABI’S MANAGEMENT?
You can call at +971-2-410-0100.
WHAT ARE THE SHEIKH ZAYED MEMORIAL ABU DHABI TIMINGS?
You can visit the Sheikh Zayed Memorial Abu Dhabi from 09:00 am to 10:00 pm. It is open daily and free to visit.
WHAT IS THE ABU DHABI FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL LOCATION?
Founders memorial Abu Dhabi location: Intersection of Abu Dhabi Corniche and 18th Street.
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE THE FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL?
Yes, parking is available at the site, but the space is limited.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
There is no official dress code but visitors are advised to dress modestly.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES?
Yes, you may take pictures without causing any disruption in activities for others.
IS THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTION?
No, people of all ages are welcome at the Abu Dhabi Founder’s Memorial.
The stunning high rises and well-planned layouts we see in Abu Dhabi today are the manifestation of the vision of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The economic growth, infrastructure development and the high standard of living that residents enjoy, is because of the strong socio-economic foundations he laid during his reign. To delve deeper into the wisdom that guided his remarkable foresight, explore the famous H.H (the late) Sheikh Zayed quotes.
If you are a tourist, keep a day for this area of Abu Dhabi. Especially because there are so many more things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche. You can also visit the Heritage Village on the same day as it is not far away from the Founder’s Memorial. If you are in the city on a family vacation, there are plenty of family attractions in Abu Dhabi you could visit.
Stay tuned to MyBayut to learn more about the tourist attractions in the UAE.
