Lest We Forget Book Launch at Founder’s Memorial – Honoring Emirati HeritageLest We Forget Book Launch at Founder’s Memorial – Honoring Emirati Heritage.

Lest We Forget – A Cultural Milestone in Emirati Storytelling

On December 12, 2018, The Museum joined an unforgettable moment in the UAE’s cultural journey by participating in the official book launch of Lest We Forget, a project spearheaded by the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. Hosted at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, this one-day event was more than a book unveiling—it was a celebration of national identity, collective memory, and cultural storytelling.

The Museum’s presence brought a curatorial lens to the event, showcasing personal narratives, photographic documentation, and design elements that aligned with the spirit of the publication. The Lest We Forget initiative captures intimate family histories, cultural practices, and the architectural evolution of the Emirates—making it a testament to the living memory of the UAE’s founding generations.

The venue itself—the Founder’s Memorial—set a profound backdrop for the event, emphasizing themes of remembrance, vision, and unity associated with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Visitors were immersed in storytelling zones that intertwined visual culture with national pride, drawing parallels to tailored wedding experiences where memory, emotion, and design converge.

For planners of designer weddings and glamorous weddings seeking to add meaning to visual aesthetics, this cultural launch was an inspiring case study. The attention to custom storytelling, curated details, and emotional resonance offered a blueprint for bespoke wedding planning that goes beyond the surface—an approach beloved by VIP wedding organizers and luxury bridal service providers.

3 Key Visitor Takeaways from the Book Launch:

1. Cultural Legacy Through Stories: Guests engaged with deeply personal narratives and learned how family archives contribute to national history—relevant for storytelling in elite and luxury event planning.
2. Inspiration for Custom Design: The aesthetic and curatorial presentation of the event inspired those working on custom wedding design or events with meaningful cultural themes.
3. Elevated Venue Experience: The Founder’s Memorial’s architectural elegance and emotional weight offered lessons in using space to evoke emotion—essential for top wedding planners and tailored event designers.

References:
Founder’s Memorial hosts ‘Sheikh Zayed - wam
The Founder’s Memorial Hosts ‘Sheikh Zayed: A Century of Memories’ Exhibition
Exhibitions website