The monument is dedicated to the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for Kuwait's liberation from Iraqi invasion in 1991 and has each of their names inscribed on it.

The monument is in the form of a large golden clenched fist and is surrounded by a falcon, which represents West Asia, and a dragon, which represents East Asia, and is designed as a sign of the continent's unified presence on the land of Kuwait, it is claimed.

"This shows the unity and the feelings for the society of the Kuwaitis," said Sheikh Ahmed, who is also President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

"We cannot find better than the martyrs who gave their lives for their country.

"At the opening ceremony of the monument, we believe this is the symbol of the people who loved their country.

"[They] sacrificed their souls for the glory of their homeland, making sure its flag remains hoisted high up in the toughest of circumstances."

The golden monument is wrapped in a falcon and a dragon to represent unity ©OCA



Family members of many of those who died in the conflict with Iraq were present at the ceremony.

The Iraq invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 signalled the start of what is commonly known as the first Gulf War which lasted until February 1991 and it is estimated that more than 1,000 Kuwaitis died during the conflict.

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