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Sheikh Zayed's memorial unveiled in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Renowned horticulturist Bernard Lavery described Sheikh Zayed as the "man who tamed the desert".

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A monumental artwork to honour the founding father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was unveiled in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Offering a range of personal encounters with the late Sheikh Zayed, the man and the leader, "The Founder's Memorial" will enrich understanding of his life, legacy and values.
The inauguration of the centre piece of The Founder's Memorial coincided with the 'Year of Zayed', declared by the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark the 100-year anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's birth.
Located at the intersection of first and second streets along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, The Founder's Memorial will be an iconic national landmark visitors to the Capital.
The monument, with rarely-seen footage, personal stories and artefacts, offer a series of personal encounters, and give an insight into the character of a visionary leader. The landscaped area of the 3.3-hectare site features indigenous plants and shrubbery from the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, keeping with Sheikh Zayed's commitment to nurturing local flora and fauna.
As a space for reflection, The Founder's Memorial will enable visitors to draw on Sheikh Zayed's values and qualities that continue to serve as a permanent source of inspiration for the entire nation.
Renowned horticulturist Bernard Lavery described Sheikh Zayed as the "man who tamed the desert". Sheikh Zayed firmly believed that it was possible to turn the desert into a lush green land and took the initiative to transform the UAE into a green haven. Owing to his efforts, the once barren land of Abu Dhabi is now covered with a diverse array of flowers, shrubs and date palms.
Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, general manager of The Founder's Memorial office, said: "The Founder's Memorial is a very interactive piece and a very interesting memorial site. It's a lot of hard work for us to collaborate with someone who will represent the leader. Everything in the memorial from the artwork, to the space, to the landscape has been studied and well suited".
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), said: "The memorial reflects the love and loyalty that Emiratis have towards the founding leader. The monument will introduce new generations to the national and humanitarian legacy, noble values, and rich history of giving of Sheikh Zayed whose outstanding legacy enlightens us."
Emirati Mohammed Saeed said: "Sheikh Zayed is a true legend, a visionary who transformed the UAE from desert into a heavenly place."

What can you find at the memorial?

The Founder's Memorial will enrich understanding of the life, legacy and values of the founding father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.  Located at the intersection of first and second streets along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, The Founder's Memorial will be an iconic national landmark for visitors to the Capital.
The monument with rarely-seen footage, personal stories and artefacts, will offer a series of personal encounters and give an insight into the character of a visionary leader. The landscape features indigenous plants and shrubbery from the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, in keeping with Sheikh Zayed's commitment to nurturing local flora and fauna.

KT Nano Edit

A guiding light
What can be a more befitting tribute to the father of the nation than a memorial? Sheikh Zayed was a visionary, who saw strength in unity. He led a passionate life, one that inspired people, and changed the course of history. There's much to learn and imbibe from his practices, beliefs and teachings. Luminaries such as Sheikh Zayed never die, they remain a guiding light.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com