Some were allegedly found with their hands tied and stripped of their clothes, spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said
The monument, a permanent national tribute commemorating the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will make visitors understand the life, legacy and values of UAE's founding father.
The designer of the memorial said that his challenge was to distil the legacy of Sheikh Zayed in the installation, especially in The Constellation.
The Constellation offers a dynamic three-dimensional portrait of Sheikh Zayed that can be experienced differently from multiple vantage points. At night, the shapes shine like stars, evoking the timelessness of his vision as a guiding light for the people of the UAE.
One of the largest art installations of its kind, The Constellation, which was unveiled on February 26 in line with the national Year of Zayed initiative, is unique in its use of abstract portraiture on this scale.
"Many facets of his dynamic personality were foundational to the artwork - from his ability to transform limited resources into a thriving economy and his role as an incubator, to his stature as the ultimate diplomat, his passion for environmentalism, his deep devotion to his family, and his unmatched popularity as a people's leader."
Helmick said his goal was to distil these qualities of UAE's father in an artwork that forges a real connection with the man and the leader.
"In the process, Sheikh Zayed's connection to nature emerged as a particularly strong guiding principle," he said.
"Even while overseeing unprecedented modernisation, he remained grounded in the physical world. The Constellation, therefore, is not a traditional figurative representation.
"It embodies an active re-creation of his likeness, exploring the boundaries of perception through abstraction on a monumental scale. Put simply, the installation seeks to fuse the terrestrial with the celestial."Other historical references
The public plaza that surrounds the artwork, known as the Sanctuary Garden, offers a choice of seating areas and a serene ambience.
The plaza serves as a dedicated space where the community can gather to reflect on The Constellation's portrayal of Sheikh Zayed and contemplate the man and his vision.
Near the Sanctuary Garden there are more features to explore, including a water channel that symbolises the falaj- the ancient irrigation systems used by the people of the Arabian Peninsula - and a Heritage Garden where visitors will discover native plants traditionally used for their medicinal properties.
Complimentary tours from trained Cultural Tour Guides are available in both Arabic and English. The guides lead visitors through the memorial site, inviting them to gain a deeper understanding of Sheikh Zayed.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
Some were allegedly found with their hands tied and stripped of their clothes, spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said
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