H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, today visited the Wahat Al Karama (Oasis of Dignity) memorial, built to honour Emirati heroes who had died for their country.

Accompanied by Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Co-operation, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, senior UAE officials and ambassadors, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah toured the memorial, which consists of 31 metal panels, each leaning on the other, in an expression of strength, mutual support and solidarity, and reflecting the unbreakable bond between the UAE’s leadership, its people and those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Stretching on an area of 46,000 sq. m., the memorial is located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Armed Forces General Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah was welcomed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun, Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, before visiting the Pavilion of Honour where the names of the UAE’s heroes and verses from the Quran are engraved on the wall.

He concluded the tour with writing a statement in the book of honour.

"I am totally honoured and proud to express my great gratitude to the loyal citizens who sacrificed their most precious belonging to defend and protect the United Arab Emirates," he said.

Gargash also wrote a statement in the book citing a verse from the Quran that says, "And reckon not those who are killed in Allah’s way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord."

"This is the epitome of sacrifice. The Pavilion of Honour history of the nation. It is all about the long-standing and greatest sacrifices made for the UAE and its leadership and people. Their memory will live on as we are building the proud and glorious nation for their sons and ours. Our four-colour flag will always flutter high. Glory and immortality be for them," Minister Gargash said.

The Wahat Al Karama was built in line with directives from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to honour the memory of those who had sacrificed their lives while performing their national duty to uphold their nation’s glory.

It also symbolises the citizens’ pride, loyalty and patriotism, as well as their gratitude for the martyrs’ sacrifices, and reflects national unity and cohesion.