Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's newest landmark, Abrahamic Family House, is a multifaith complex featuring mosques, churches and synagogues - an inspiring testament to the UAE's commitment to religious tolerance. Abrahamic Family House, situated on Saadiyat Island in the cultural heart of Cairo's capital city, serves as a platform for learning and dialogue between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis' Document on Human Fraternity signed with Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb in 2019, this beacon stands as testament to mutual understanding, harmony and coexistence between all faiths.

The Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque

One of the cornerstones of UAE unity for the future is religious tolerance, and Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House serves as an inspiring example. Designed by renowned Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the complex includes three houses of worship plus a central forum connecting them. The Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, situated near Mecca, can accommodate over three hundred worshippers. Oriented towards Mecca, its seven slender domes rise from each side and are topped by delicate latticework known as mashrabiya - designed to allow air circulation while controlling light levels and maintaining privacy.

Inside, a four-column interior grid creates nine ascending vaults as a symbol of strength and order. The mosque's central prayer hall faces the mihrab, or niche that indicates Mecca's direction. One of the mosque's standout features is its internal courtyard, which houses a variety of amenities. Men and women have separate ablution areas as well.

Sunlight is a major design element for this complex, filtering into each building at various intervals throughout the day. Contrary to traditional building methods that build structures according to predetermined briefs, each structure at Abrahamic Family House has been individually crafted.

His Holiness Francis Church

His Holiness Francis Church is one of three houses of worship situated within the newly-opened Abrahamic Family House complex on Saadiyat Island, part of the UAE's effort to promote cultural and interreligious harmony.

According to Abu Dhabi's Department of Tolerance and Coexistence, this multi-faith complex was created with the purpose of fostering interfaith harmony and understanding. The three structures - Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, His Holiness Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue - are linked by a central courtyard designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, also director of Abrahamic Family House project.

He was moved to build the church after reading His Holiness Francis' encyclical Laudato si', which condemned environmental degradation and called for people to care for Earth as their "common home" while seeking deeper connections with one another. He has reiterated the Catholic Church's categorical opposition to abortion while speaking sympathetically about women's rights.

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue is the first purpose-built Jewish space built in the UAE since 1930s. It bears his name, honoring a 12th century scholar, philosopher and medical doctor who guided both Jewish and Arab communities throughout Middle Eastern. With capacity for two hundred worshipers, this building stands as a beacon for Jewish spiritual renewal today.

Its facade evokes both ritual booths associated with Sukkot (sukkahs), and palm fronds - another item linked to this week-long Jewish holiday. The main sanctuary, two mikvahs and residence for the rabbi and his wife can be found within its grounds; furthermore, the ark of the sanctuary faces Jerusalem. Inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, the Abrahamic Family House will welcome visitors from around the world to learn, converse and worship together. Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2022.

The Central Forum

The Central Forum is the hub of this complex, connecting mosques, churches and synagogues through an immersive exhibition, discussions and dialogues that foster understanding and peaceful coexistence. Additionally, it features the shared garden - a tranquil space for learning, contemplation and gathering for visitors of all faiths. Abrahamic Family House, situated in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, is the latest project to demonstrate the UAE's dedication to cultivating a culture of peace and tolerance. It draws inspiration from The Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Egypt's Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb during their visit to the UAE in 2019.

This new landmark brings together three religious buildings - a mosque, church and synagogue - connected by an open public space. Designed by Sir David Adjaye, it serves as both an architectural and cultural beacon for harmonious human coexistence in the United Arab Emirates. Each structure measures the same external dimensions and features white-stone exteriors, yet each showcases its unique architectural style. It embodies the common denominators that unite these three religions while adhering to their respective architectural codes and individualism.

It is a fitting testament to the principles enshrined in The Document on Human Fraternity, and shows the UAE's dedication to encouraging interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence between people of various faiths. Furthermore, it pays homage to Sheikh Zayed - UAE's founding father who pioneered social progress within his nation - who advocated for more open societies. The central forum serves as a visitor experience centre, featuring an immersive exhibition that introduces visitors to Abrahamic Family House and encourages reflection on the three faiths. Additionally, it hosts discussions, forums and conferences which foster understanding between different religious members while encouraging peaceful coexistence between them.

The Shared Garden

On Saadiyat Island, the Abrahamic Family House is an iconic cultural and religious landmark designed by Sir David Adjaye that will serve as a catalyst for dialogues and understanding between people of different faiths. Comprised of three houses of worship - a mosque, church, and synagogue - as well as communal gathering spaces, this complex will serve as an inspiring catalyst for dialogues between different faiths.

The design of the new multifaith complex is a testament to the UAE's drive towards cultural and inter-religious tolerance. It was unveiled in 2019 during the country's 'Year of Tolerance', an initiative dedicated to spreading tolerance as an universal value that fosters peaceful societies.