Dubai: Construction of ‘The Memorial’, a permanent monument in honour of the nation’s martyrs will begin next year, the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court announced on Monday.
The Memorial, which is currently in the design stage, will act as a permanent tribute to UAE’s brave soldiers and other Emiratis who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.
The Memorial will be built following the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in honour of the nation’s heroes.
The monument will be located near the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the eastern side of Shaikh Zayed Road in Abu Dhabi on a 42,000 sq metre plot of land.
The monument, once completed, will be open to citizens, residents and visitors who can pay homage to the fallen soldiers.
A number of world-class architects and artists are working on creating the design of ‘The Memorial’, a monument that will reflect national pride, unity and remembrance.
A website, www.thememorial.ae, also launched on Monday, said that construction will start in 2016.
The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office, the entity responsible for building The Memorial, said the location offers easy access from all directions, including roads entering or exiting the city of Abu Dhabi.
In Sharjah on Monday, His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, also inaugurated Martyrs’ Monument and Martyrs’ Square at the University City Campus in Sharjah.
The move to establish the monument and square was ordered by the Sharjah Ruler to immortalise the memory of courageous Emirati soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the security and stability of the nation.
The monument and square were built with the participation of members of the UAE Armed Forces.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, was present during the inauguration.
The inauguration ceremony began upon the arrival of Dr Shaikh Sultan, who was received by a number of shaikhs.
—With inputs from WAM
