The Founder's Memorial

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 a leader, enabling people to gain a deeper understanding of his vast influence on the UAE and the world.

The centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial is a monumental public artwork by international artist Ralph Helmick called 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, exploring his life and legacy, the principles and causes he championed, and the various facets of his visionary leadership.

The Founder’s Memorial Welcome Centre is the place to start your visit. Here, you will have the opportunity to engage with the man and the leader through rarely-seen footage, personal stories, articles and interviews with those who knew and loved Sheikh Zayed. This state-of-the-art multimedia experience also features a number of Sheikh Zayed Encounters, screened every fifteen minutes, that give you the chance to hear from the late leader in his own words. Complimentary tours in Arabic and English led by Emirati Cultural Tour Guides are available to guide you through the memorial and to enable you to gain a deeper understanding of Sheikh Zayed and his legacy. A stroll taking in the Sanctuary Garden, the Heritage Garden, and the Elevated Walkway around the artwork completes the experience at the space.

Free but limited visitor parking is available at the site and accessible from 18th street. The pick-up and drop-off area for taxis and coaches is also located on 18th street, adjacent to the Welcome Centre. On foot, the site can also be accessed from the Corniche.