Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyrs' Day, is a national holiday in the United Arab Emirates recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their life in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service. The day is marked annually on 30th of November, but observed with a public holiday on the 1st of December.
The Memorial
The Memorial is the centerpiece of Wahat Al Karama, and its third external station. It was designed by British artist Idris Khan. The symbolism behind it is clear - its 31 aluminum-clad panels lean against each other, portraying the unity, solidarity and synergy between the UAE's leadership and its citizens. Poems and the quotes from the UAE's leaders are engraved on the tablets’ surface, telling the story of the heroes’ courage and nobility.
The poetic verses and quotations splayed out across the panels, include poetic verses by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE, on the two front panels. The rest of the panels are engraved with poems and quotations from late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along other quotations by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
At the base is a horizontal panel supporting all panels, called “The Allegiance Panel”. It represents the nation's soldiers, reflecting the solidarity between the leadership, people and soldiers, and bearing the inscription of the Pledge of Allegiance of the UAE Armed Force.
Music: Patrick Hawes
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