Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama, the 'Oasis of Dignity', is the national memorial to Emiratis who gave their lives in service of the country: soldiers, police officers, diplomats and civilians. It covers 46,000 square metres directly opposite Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and opened on 30 November 2016, Commemoration Day. Entry is free.

What to see

At its heart is a work by British artist Idris Khan: 31 aluminium-clad tablets leaning on one another as a symbol of unity and mutual support, inscribed with poems and words of UAE leaders. In front of them lies the Memorial Plaza, Maydan Al Fakhr, with a shallow circular pool that reflects the memorial and the mosque, and an amphitheatre for about 1,200 people.

In the Pavilion of Honour, the names of the fallen are engraved on more than 2,700 plates cast from recycled aluminium from decommissioned military vehicles. At its centre stands a sculpture of seven glass panels, one for each emirate, bearing the UAE Pledge of Allegiance. The Visitor Centre has interactive exhibits on the heroes, the memorial and the country's humanitarian work, and free guided tours in Arabic and English start here.

Getting there

The memorial is across the road from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so it is easy to visit both together. The simplest way to get there is by taxi; set your destination to Wahat Al Karama.

Planning your visit

Allow 30 to 90 minutes. Late afternoon is the best time: a daily Guard of Honour flag ceremony takes place before sunset (17:00 according to the memorial), and on Saturdays there is a larger ceremony with a band and cavalry; check the time before you go. After sunset both the memorial and the mosque are lit up. The key date is 30 November, Commemoration Day, when official events and access restrictions are possible.

Before you go

This is a place of remembrance: keep calm and quiet, especially in the Pavilion of Honour. There is no specific dress code, but clothes covering shoulders and knees are a good choice, especially if you are going on to the mosque. Groups can pre-book a tour at Tours@wahatalkarama.ae.