Abu Dhabi unveils first multi-faith place of worship

Design captures the shared values of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Since establishing diplomatic ties with Israel three years ago, the bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel have been progressing onward and upward.

As a further step in this rapprochement the UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohammed Alqattam shared that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remains committed to promoting “mutual respect, understanding, and diversity.”

In this context Abu Dhabi opened its first multi-faith place of worship on March 1. Called the Abrahamic Family House,

and located on Saadiyat Island, the complex features a mosque, church, and synagogue.

It will also include a cultural center where visitors will be welcomed to worship, learn, and engage in dialogue.

“The UAE has a proud history of people from diverse communities working together to create new possibilities,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “With the Abrahamic Family House we remain committed to harnessing the power of mutual respect, understanding and diversity to achieve shared progress.”

The three houses of worship are named Imam Al Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.

The unique design by GhanaianBritish architect Sir David Adjaye captures the values shared between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The trio of structures share the same external dimensions. Each is shaped in a cube that is 30 meters in depth, width, and height.

The complex aims to recount common history and build bridges between human civilizations.

It is set to be a “physical manifestation” of the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, during the Pontiff’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2019.

The landmark project was first announced in early 2019, by Sheikh

Mohammed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

The Abrahamic Family House is symbolic of the UAE’s long

The UAE has a proud history of people from diverse communities working together to create new possibilities.

standing values of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence, values embodied by the UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed explained the head of the new complex Mohamed Klalifa Al Mubarak

He added, “It is a model of co-existence, reconciliation, and mutual respect for mankind. It will be a center for learning and dialogue set against the backdrop of multiculturalism and diversity of our nation, where more than 200 nationalities live peacefully side by side.”

Its construction in the capital of the UAE—a home to dozens of nationalities that practice a number of faiths—was particularly symbolic.

Said Ambassador Alqattam, “The Abrahamic House is in line with the UAE’s efforts to provide a welcoming home to people of all cultures and faiths.”

As a further step in this quest, Abu Dhabi’s historic Hindu Temple is due to open in February 2024.