Abraham Family House in Abu Dhabi to welcome visitors from March 1

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will open to visitors early next March the Abraham Family House, a new center for learning, dialogue and faith practice on Saadiyat Island.

Located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat cultural district, the center comprises three separate houses of worship – a mosque, a church and a synagogue – as well as shared spaces for gathering and dialogue.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the inauguration through his official Twitter account on Thursday.

“The UAE has a proud history of people from diverse communities working together to create new possibilities. With the completion of the Abraham Family House in Abu Dhabi, we remain committed to harnessing the power of mutual respect, understanding and diversity to achieve common progress,” he said.

Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the center in the presence of 300 guests.

Rooted in the UAE’s values ​​of bringing people and culture together, Abrahamic Family House reflects the diversity of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, home to a vibrant multicultural community of all faiths. The project is inspired by the principles contained in the Human Fraternity Document signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb.

“The Abraham Family House is a symbol of the UAE’s long-held values ​​of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence – values ​​embodied by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed. A model of coexistence in the context of culture and diversity, where more than 200 nationalities live peacefully together. We hope that the Abrahamic Family House will inspire young people around the world as we highlight our common humanity and work to create a more peaceful place for future generations world,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, president of the Abrahamic Family House.

At the Abrahamic Family House, visitors are invited to attend religious services, guided tours, celebrations and opportunities to explore their faith. Each dedicated house of worship, Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, His Holiness Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, has space for observers, and daily guided tours will show visitors the design features associated with the practices and traditions of each faith.

The center officially opened in March, and people can already worship in the three houses of worship. These have been opened to observers from 16 February.

“The Abraham Family House is a true reflection of the provisions of the Human Fraternity Document, which calls for ensuring peaceful coexistence. It is a testament to the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its leaders to promote interfaith dialogue and peace among all peoples. The Abraham Family House is the A model of coexistence, reconciliation and mutual respect,” said Professor Mohammad Mahrasavi, co-chair of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and former rector of Al-Azhar University.

“The Abraham Family House is a concrete example of people of different religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs returning to their essence: loving their neighbor. It will be a place that fosters dialogue and mutual respect, and serves as a source of human brotherhood as we walk the path of peace together service,” added Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guizo, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

“On this historic day, we come together to celebrate this extraordinary monument of love, the House of the Abraham Family. Beginning today, let us use this extraordinary holy place to promote harmony and peace. Where a difference can make a difference In our divided world, let us say here that our common values ​​should exist for our common aspirations,” said Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth Hebrew Sanhedrin.

The complex’s central forum serves as the center of the visitor experience, where immersive exhibits will introduce visitors to the Abraham Family House and invite them to reflect on the three faiths. The space will host discussions, forums and meetings that promote understanding, dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The Shared Garden is another space for members of the interfaith community and visitors of all faiths to meet, learn and converse.

The three chapels are the same height and have the same external dimensions, and were designed by Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, respecting the architectural codes and individualism of each faith. Each takes the form of a cube, 30 meters deep, 30 meters wide and 30 meters high.

Mosques, churches and synagogues will provide communities of faith with a beautiful and peaceful setting in which to attend religious services, hear Bible readings and prayers, and experience sacred rituals.

The Abrahamic Family House will also offer a vibrant range of educational and faith-based programs and events, as well as initiatives for young people, to foster knowledge exchange and interfaith collaboration.