Embark on an artistic and interactive journey into Sheikh Zayed’s vision and values

The Founder’s Memorial is a permanent national tribute dedicated to commemorating the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

A place to learn about Sheikh Zayed through art, nature, words, stories, and multimedia experiences, The Founder’s Memorial offers visitors a range of personal encounters with the late Sheikh Zayed as a man and as a leader, enabling people to gain a deeper understanding of his vast influence on the UAE and the wider world.

The centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial is a monumental public artwork named The Constellation, a dynamic three-dimensional portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed that can be experienced differently from multiple viewing points around the memorial. At night, the shapes of The Constellation shine like stars, evoking the timelessness of Sheikh Zayed’s vision as a guiding light for the UAE people.

Every visit to The Founder’s Memorial is an immersive journey of discovery. You will experience a series of uniquely personal encounters with Sheikh Zayed, the man and the leader, exploring his life and legacy, the principles and causes he championed, and the various facets of his visionary leadership.

The inauguration of The Founder’s Memorial, which took place on the 26th of February, 2018 through the unveiling of The Constellation, coincided with the commencement of the Year of Zayed, declared by UAE President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark 100 years since the birth of Sheikh Zayed.

Plan your visit

Visitor’s Guide

The Founder’s Memorial is free to the public and open daily from 10.00am to 12.00am. Free visitor parking is available at the site and accessible from 18th street.

Read more

Tours

Learn more about Sheikh Zayed’s vast influence on the UAE and the world through a tour around The Founder’s Memorial led by one of our Cultural Tour Guides. 

Read more

The Constellation

The centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial is The Constellation, a monumental public artwork featuring a dynamic three-dimensional portrait of Sheikh Zayed.

Read more