There are numerous landmarks and places adorned with the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the state, may he rest in peace, each with a unique story that recounts a remarkable achievement. These landmarks embody his approach to goodness and represent his journey of giving, standing in gratitude and appreciation for the rich legacy left by the present yet absent leader in the memory and hearts of a people who believe they were fortunate to have a leader of such rarity.
## Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the most monumental architectural works that blend Islamic religion with various world cultures. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, commissioned its construction to merge different schools of Islamic architecture and celebrate cultural diversity through the creation of a welcoming and inspiring sanctuary in every sense of the word.
Engineers from Britain, Italy, and the UAE worked on its construction, drawing inspiration from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, and other Islamic countries. The final result is a stunning architectural masterpiece shining in Abu Dhabi, accommodating around 55,000 worshippers and visitors daily. It was built over slightly more than a decade, embodying the message of peace and tolerance carried by the Islamic faith, welcoming visitors regardless of their beliefs.
## Zayed the Founder Monument
The Zayed the Founder Monument was established as a lasting national tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, and to celebrate the inspiring legacy and noble values of the father leader who established the United Arab Emirates. The monument allows residents and visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the UAE and its rich culture through a series of experiences designed to explore the social, cultural, and environmental heritage of the nation, featuring artworks, inspiring stories, and distinctive exhibitions, among others.
The Zayed the Founder Monument occupies a public green space of 3.3 hectares, interspersed with a garden filled with traditional plants, seating areas, and a traditional aflaj system, alongside a heritage garden boasting desert plants used for medicinal purposes. An elevated walkway offers captivating views of the Arabian Gulf and the stunning city skyline. The most prominent artwork in the monument is "The Chandelier," a magnificent artistic creation by Ralph Helmick, which portrays Sheikh Zayed in three dimensions. Standing at 30 meters tall, the structure holding "The Chandelier" includes 1,327 geometric shapes suspended on 1,110 cables. At night, these geometric shapes shimmer in a way that mimics the stars in the sky, which continue to shine and guide us, just as the late Sheikh Zayed illuminates the future for generations to come.
## Sheikh Zayed Council
The Sheikh Zayed Council at Al Waha Hospital in Al Ain, the first hospital in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is a significant landmark that highlights the history of the city of Al Ain and its development stages, along with the beginnings of modern healthcare in the UAE. The council is located at the entrance of Al Waha Hospital and features a photo exhibition detailing the evolution of the healthcare sector.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, ordered the reconstruction of the original adobe building that belonged to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which was donated to Al Waha Hospital in 1960 and is now known as the Sheikh Zayed Council.
It is worth mentioning that Al Waha Hospital played a vital role in the history of Abu Dhabi, particularly in Al Ain. It was established by the couple Pat and Mariana Kennedy, who arrived in Al Ain in November 1960 at the invitation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan. At that time, the mortality rate in the region was extremely high, and the population was declining. The Kennedys, along with their small team, worked to provide the first modern medical care program in the area, focusing on improving care for pregnant women and children.
## Sheikh Zayed Bridge
The bridge was built in honor of the father founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is overseen by the Abu Dhabi City Municipality. It received the International Road Achievement Award in 2011 and the Most Beautiful Bridge Award in 2012 for its curved designs. The bridge represents a significant addition to the map of modern bridges around the world, and it aligns with the comprehensive development plan that the municipality adheres to in its construction endeavors and the enhancement of infrastructure according to the best global practices, in alignment with the 2030 Strategy that aims to elevate Abu Dhabi to a leading position among modern cities worldwide.
The Sheikh Zayed Bridge is noted for its complexity, measuring 842 meters in length and 64 meters in height. It was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid, whose arches mimic the shapes of undulating sand dunes. The bridge features dynamic lighting with soft colors flowing through its structure, with pathways suspended from symmetrical steel arches to create a flowing wave-like appearance.
## Sheikh Zayed Heritage Center
The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Center, located in the Al Bateen area of Abu Dhabi, aims to explore the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the state, and serves as a tribute to him. Photographs of Sheikh Zayed adorn the museum’s walls, alongside images of many of his royal, regional, and global visitors and prominent figures, as well as valuable personal belongings of Sheikh Zayed, such as his favorite hunting rifles.
The center prominently displays the late leader's favorite cars, which he often drove around the city without any personal guard, as well as gifts he received from around the world, including dibs of leopards and rare hunting cats.
A rich legacy has been left by the present yet absent leader in the memory and hearts of a people who believe they were fortunate to have such a rare and extraordinary leader.
