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Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, visited the site of the Martyrs’ Memorial to witness the installation of the first and largest of the metal panels, standing 23 metres tall, making up the monument’s main structure.

Sheikh Khalifa oversaw the progress being made on the memorial site, which is set to open on the second annual Commemoration Day on November 30, 2016.

"The monument represents the pride that the UAE’s wise leadership takes in the sacrifices made by our heroes to keep our heads high and to come to the aid of those in need," he said.

"This monument, which is a true reflection of the value of loyalty in Emirati culture, bears witness to the sacrifices made by our countrymen and their devotion in the service of the nation," he added.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Miral, said, "We are honoured to be able to contribute to the development of the Memorial Park, as it embodies this nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by our brave heroes. We are proud to witness the installation of the first and largest panel of this historical and symbolic monument."

The main monument will be made up of 31 metal panels leaning on one another and engraved with Arabic calligraphy. The structure represents unity and solidarity, and immortalises the memory of the fallen heroes of the UAE. Once completed, the site is set to become a must-visit destination for the UAE’s citizens, residents, and visitors alike, as well as a national and cultural landmark.

Three internationally renowned artists submitted potential designs for the monument. The final design, created by British artist Idris Khan, was chosen for its singularity and its success in powerfully conveying the concepts of unity, strength, solidarity, devotion, and loyalty.

The primary panel, which constitutes the keystone of the entire edifice, will be engraved with poems and verses written by the UAE’s Founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while one of the other monumental panels bears the pledge of allegiance of the UAE Armed Forces.

The monument is located to the east of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where each of the fallen heroes will have his name individually honoured. The memorial site also includes a wide terrace with amphitheatre seating, where the annual Commemoration Day ceremonies will be held. Visitors to the garden have their choice of recreational facilities, while they bask in the grandeur and opulence of the Grand Mosque mirrored in the reflecting pool.

The public will be able to stay up to date with the progress made in the construction of the monument by visiting the website www.thememorial.ae.

The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office was established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to tend to the needs of the UAE martyrs’ families, and offer any support they may require.