Thirty-one towering aluminium tablets lean together. This is Wahat Al Karama the Oasis of Dignity. It stands as a powerful memorial. It honours the UAE’s brave soldiers. They sacrificed their lives in service.
Wahat Al Karama wasn’t built overnight. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced its construction in 2015. The design came from British artist Idris Khan. His vision was to create a space for reflection. A space that conveys unity and support.
The memorial’s impressive scale is striking. Each of the 31 tablets reaches 23 metres high. The leaning design symbolises strength. It represents the unity of soldiers loved ones and their country. Poignant Arabic poems and quotes adorn the tablets. These are from Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Visitors are encouraged to touch these engravings. This fosters a personal connection with the fallen.
The Pavilion of Honour stands at the journey’s end. It is a circular structure. Seven glass panels in the centre represent the seven emirates. The surrounding circular wall is unique. It is clad with over 2800 aluminium plates. These plates are reclaimed from armoured vehicles. Each plate bears the name rank service and details of a UAE hero. It’s a deeply moving tribute.
Wahat Al Karama opened on 30 November 2016. This was Commemoration Day. It sits on over 46000 square metres of land. Its location is symbolic. It sits between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces. The memorial won the 2017 American Architecture Prize. It was also shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival. This beautiful and poignant memorial is a must-see in Abu Dhabi. It is a place of quiet contemplation and profound respect. It’s a place that will stay with you long after your visit.