The United Arab Emirates has opened a groundbreaking new complex that will promote interfaith dialogue and peace among people of different religions, cultures, traditions, and beliefs. The Abrahamic Family House – which consists of a mosque, a church, and a synagogue – was designed with the purpose of providing a space for peaceful coexistence between followers of various faiths. It features an immersive exhibition center as well as shared gardens where members from diverse faith communities can come together in conversation.
On Thursday (16th February 2023), the Saadiyat Cultural District proudly opened its newest educational and spiritual center, The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan honored this momentous occasion with their presence as they ceremonially inaugurated the facility.
From 1st March 2023, visitors will be warmly welcomed to experience the wonders of this unique complex containing three distinctive houses of worship – a mosque, church and synagogue- in addition to communal spaces for meetings and conversations.
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Coexistence of Faiths: Mosque, Church, and Synagogue in One
Guided by the UAE’s mission to join different cultures together, the Abrahamic Family House showcases Abu Dhabi and its tolerant multicultural community of all faiths. This venture draws on motivation from The Document on Human Fraternity crafted in 2019 for His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb during their visit to Abu Dhabi that year.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Abrahamic Family House, proclaimed that this special centre is an ode to our late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. It will be a platform for growth through learning and meaningful dialogue while also highlighting the UAE’s multiculturalism where more than 200 nationalities live together in harmony.
“We hope that the Abrahamic Family House will inspire youth everywhere, as we highlight our common humanity and work towards the creation of a more peaceful world for generations to come.”
What to Expect: Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi
Three Houses of Worship in One Location
- Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque
- His Holiness Francis Church
- Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue
Architected by Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, three houses of worship stand in harmonious solidarity with each other and embody the individualistic architectural codes specific to every faith. All being 30 meters deep, wide and tall squares respectively- these places of reverence are equal in dignity despite their variances.
Guests are encouraged to come and explore the three revered places of worship, consisting of the Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, His Holiness Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. There will be daily guided tours available that grant guests exclusive access into each religious building’s practices and customs through exploring its distinctive architectural features.
Here’s a video showcasing the Abrahamic Family House so you can get an idea what to expect:
Things to Do
- religious services
- guided tours
- immersive exhibits
- shared garden
- celebrations
- opportunities to explore faith
The central forum of the complex serves as a visitor experience center, where an immersive exhibition will be available to introduce guests to the Abrahamic Family House and inspire contemplation on all three faiths.
They also offer discussions, forums, and conferences that are aimed at increasing understanding between different faith members while fostering peaceable coexistence among them. Alongside these conversations is our shared garden — which offers a tranquil space for learning activities suitable for any individual from varying backgrounds or beliefs.
Human Fraternity
His Eminence Professor Mohammed Al Mahrasawi, Co-Chair of Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, and former President of Al-Azhar University, said, “The Abrahamic Family House is a true reflection of the provisions of the Document on Human Fraternity, which calls for ensuring peaceful coexistence. It is a testament to the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its leaders toward promoting interfaith dialogue and peace among all. The Abrahamic Family House is a model of coexistence, reconciliation, and mutual respect for the sake of mankind.”
Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, President of The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue of The Holy See, said, “The Abrahamic Family House is a concrete example for people of different religions, cultures, traditions, and beliefs to return to the essential: love of neighbour. This will be a place which promotes dialogue and mutual respect, and acts in the service of human fraternity as we walk the paths of peace together.”
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, said, “On this historic day, we have gathered to celebrate this remarkable monument to loving kindness – the Abrahamic Family House. From today onwards, let us use this extraordinary sacred site to promote harmony and peace. In a world in which differences can separate us, let us say here that our shared values shall exist for the sake of our universal aspirations.”
Video: Inauguration of Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi
Check out this video clip which features the inauguration event of the Abrahamic Family House
Photos: Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi
Here are photos during the inauguration and more pictures of what to expect from this location:
The mosque, church, and synagogue will provide faith communities with an environment of profound beauty and tranquillity. This will allow them to participate in religious services, listen to recitals of holy scripture and prayers, and experience sacred rituals.
The Abrahamic Family House will curate a dynamic selection of educational and religious programs, events, and initiatives for young people to encourage learning through intercultural exchange and interfaith collaboration.
How to Get There
How to reach the Abrahamic Family House for Visitors:
- Public transport – take Public bus route 94 which drops visitors at Gate B.
- Car/Taxi – Google Maps can be used to provide directions to the Main Entrance and Parking
- From Abu Dhabi City – From the Corniche head towards Mina Port and then follow signs to the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island.
- From Dubai on E11 or Yas Island – Take the Saadiyat Island / Yas Island exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12 and drive along Yas Highway to the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island.
- For Worshippers – please follow this map guides – The Mosque | The Church | The Synagogue
Contact Information
Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi
Address: Jacques Chirac St – Al Saadiyat Island – Cultural District – Abu Dhabi
Telephone Number: +971 2 657 5900
Website: https://www.abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae/
Google Map Location
Here’s a map guide to the location of this places of worship: