Sheikh Zayed’s inspirational words set in gold and silver sculptures at Qasr Al Watan
“Wealth is not money or oil; wealth lies in people and it is worthless if not dedicated to serve the people.” These words by Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, have been transformed into a monumental golden sculpture by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej.
It is one of three works – part of the series Power of Words
– at Qasr Al Watan, a cultural landmark located in the presidential palace compound in Abu Dhabi.
The two other sculptures are made of silver and located in the palace’s garden. These are also based on Sheikh Zayed’s words, and speak of his appreciation for education. One states: “Science and
history walk side by side. By using science, man can record his history and preserve it for generations to come, so others may learn from it and come
to know what their ancestors achieved.” The other reads: “The education of our people is a great wealth. We are proud of our educated nation because through knowledge and science we will open the horizon to a glorious future.”
Bin Lahej is also the artist behind the exterior design of Dubai’s Museum of the Future, where he used calligraphy to materialise the words of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai.
The artist’s spherical creations at Qasr Al Watan, which were first unveiled in 2019, are made of intricately connected Arabic script and are not only meant to be looked at – he has designed them so visitors can enter and also experience the work from the inside.
When bin Lahej was approached to create the work, he says he saw the chance to fulfil a long-term ambition. “I seized this opportunity with pride because I’ve always wished to create a piece from Sheikh Zayed’s expressions and proverbs,” he explains.
The larger gold sculpture, installed inside the palace, is surrounded by ornate halls with a crystal chandelier hanging above it. The piece weighs six tonnes, while the two sculptures in the garden weigh four tonnes each.
The presidential palace opened its doors to the public in 2019 and has since become a popular tourist attraction. It includes a library with resources on the UAE’s culture, society and politics. At weekends, the palace stages a sound and light show titled Palace in Motion, which traces the history of the UAE.
The cultural landmark was closed last March, amid the early months of the pandemic. It reopened in October for public tours, but with strict measures in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The spherical creations are designed so visitors can enter and experience them from the inside