About The Founder’s Memorial
The Monument
The Founder’s Memorial is a monument located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. It was built in honor of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The monument was officially unveiled on February 26th, 2018. The date coincided with the start of the Year of Zayed, a year dedicated to celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. The Founder’s Memorial gives the next generation a better understanding of the great leader’s impact on the UAE.
The monument, titled “The Constellation,” is the central feature of the Memorial. It is a three-dimensional portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed, designed by the artist Ralph Helmick. A 30-meter pavilion houses the glowing Constellation. It contains 1,327 unique three-dimensional five platonic shapes suspended on 1,110 cables; each cable has 49 twisted steel wires. The shapes align to create a sophisticated personal encounter with the image of Sheikh Zayed.
The Welcome Center
The Founder’s Memorial also features a welcome center and a beautiful garden known as The Sanctuary Garden. The welcome center is the first stop and offers a multimedia experience to the visitors. There, you can learn more about the founding father through a series of personal stories, rare film footage, audio clips, and written articles. The welcome center also has a theater screening a short film about the making of the Constellation.
The Sanctuary Garden
To the right of the visitors center is a charming pathway that leads into the Sanctuary Garden, where the centerpiece is the glowing monument. The garden contains trees native to the country, such as Ghaf, Samar, Sidr, and Palm. The garden also features a contemporary version of al falaj, an irrigation system widely popular in the UAE. The area has seating available and an elevated walkway surrounding the site so visitors can get a complete view of the monument.
Best Time to Visit The Founder’s Memorial
To ensure you get the best experience, we visited The Founder’s Memorial at three different times: in the morning, during sunset, and at night. We concluded that any time of the day is a great time to visit the beautiful monument. However, going during dusk will allow you to enjoy the beautiful constellation-like portrait of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. At that time, you will slowly watch the 3D geometric shapes illuminate like shining stars in the night sky. The weather is also cooler at that time, especially if you are going in the summer.
Free Guided Tours of The Founder’s Memorial
You can enjoy a free guided tour of The Founder’s Memorial by one of the Cultural Tour Guides on site. The guides will cover the cultural attraction start to finish, and will answer any questions you may have. You will also have the opportunity to hear stories about the life of the founding father and get in-depth information.
Cultural tours are available to visitors of The Founder’s Memorial in both English and Arabic, all day during opening hours. Tours often last for 30 minutes and can be booked online through the official site of The Founder’s Memorial or by sending an email to visit@thefoundersmemorial.ae. The Memorial’s official website also offers online virtual tours to enjoy from the comfort of your home. However, it does not beat the actual experience of going there.
Interesting Places to Visit Nearby
Visitors of The Founder’s Memorial can stop by at the Emirates Palace for a luxurious experience at the hotel. You can enjoy a walk through the lobby, explore the luxurious golden interiors decorated with fascinating artwork. You can also stop by one of many restaurants and cafes to enjoy a meal or drink at the palace. Perhaps you would even like to book a stay to enjoy the luxurious experience the seven-star hotel offers.
The Corniche Beach is also a great spot to visit. It is located within a walking distance of 15-20 minutes of The Founder’s Memorial. There, you can have a relaxing day by the beach and beat the summer’s heat with friends and family. You can additionally enjoy a range of physical and leisure activities at Al Bahar or the beachfront at the Corniche. The beach also has a variety of cafes and restaurants that are ideal for a quick bite.
Visitors looking forward to a retail shopping and entertainment experience can alternatively pay a visit to The Marina Mall. The mall, located within easy driving distance from the Founder’s Memorial, is a leading shopping destination. It is home to many stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and a great spot to visit with friends and family.
Location, tickets, and opening hours
The founder’s Memorial is located in Al Ras Alakhdar and is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. Tickets are free, but visitors must book online ahead of their visit. When booking, you can choose between self-guided or free guided tours. Visitors can easily park for free on Al Marsa St, near the visitors center. Corniche Road parking is a great alternative within walking distance on rare occasions when parking spots are not available.
It’s also important to highlight that according to the current Covid-19 safety measure in Abu Dhabi, all visitors must have a green pass to enter all public places, including The Founder’s Memorial. To get the latest update on the safety procedures in Abu Dhabi, please visit COVID-safe travel to and from Abu Dhabi.
Interested in visiting more attractions in Abu Dhabi? Check out our complete guide to one of Abu Dhabi’s most gorgeous natural spots, Jubail Mangrove Park
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