Following an intensive construction programme, Wahat Al Karama was officially inaugurated on Commemoration Day in 2016. The Memorial, designed by British artist Idris Khan, is the centerpiece. An imposing public art structure made up of 31 massive leaning tablets clad in aluminium, the symbolism behind the Memorial is clear: each tablet leans against the other, portraying the unity, solidarity and mutual support that bind the leadership of the UAE with its citizens, residents and the servicemen and women who protect them.
Spanning 46,000 square metres and located directly opposite Abu Dhabi's world-famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama is a timeless tribute that honours the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of their country. Wahat Al Karama is home to a permanent memorial commemorating the United Arab Emirates' heroes, including soldiers, police, diplomats and civilians, since 1971.
Operating hours
Visitor center: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Tours booking: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Memorial plaz
Location
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi
Beyond the Memorial Plaza and the Memorial is the Pavilion of Honour. The Pavilion offers a quiet and contemplative space in which visitors can reflect. Its circular internal walls bear the names of the UAE's heroes, each engraved on individual panels cast from metal reclaimed from the UAE's Armed Forces' vehicles. The names surround a central sculpture that consists of seven glass panels, each representing one of the UAE's seven emirates. The glass panels feature the UAE's Pledge of Allegiance, printed multiple times on both sides.
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Frequently asked questions about Wahat Al Karama
What is the meaning of Wahat Al Karama?
The Arabic word Wahat Al Karama translates to 'Oasis of Dignity' - a fitting description for the memorial.