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The facility, which features a mosque, church and synagogue, will open to visitors on March 1
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Leading scholars, religious and community leaders have hailed the Abraham Family House in Abu Dhabi as a model of peaceful coexistence.
Located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat cultural district, the new center houses three separate houses of worship – a mosque, a church and a synagogue – as well as shared spaces for gathering and dialogue.
On Thursday, Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Inauguration of this extraordinary monument.
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 Abrahamic Family House is a symbol of the UAE’s long-standing values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence – values embodied by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Abrahamic Family House.
“The Center will be a platform for learning and dialogue, a model of coexistence in the context of our country’s multiculturalism and diversity, where more than 200 nationalities live peacefully together. We hope that the Abrahamic Family House will inspire youth everywhere because We emphasize our common humanity and are committed to creating a more peaceful world for future generations,” Al Mubarak noted.
At the Abrahamic Family House, visitors are invited to attend religious services, guided tours, celebrations and opportunities to explore their faith. Dedicated houses of worship such as the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue all have spaces for observers, and daily guided tours will show visitors the design features associated with the practices and traditions of each faith.
Professor Mohammed Al Mahrasawi, Co-Chairman of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and former President of Al-Azhar University, said: “The Abraham Family House is a true reflection of the provisions of the Human Fraternity Document, which called for ensuring peaceful coexistence. A vision of interreligious dialogue and peace among all. The House of the Abrahamic Family is a model of human coexistence, reconciliation and mutual respect.”
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 interfaith groups and visitors of all faiths to meet, learn and converse.
Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, said: “The House of the Abrahamic Family is a community of different religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs. A concrete example of people returning to their essentials: loving neighbor. It will be a place that fosters dialogue and mutual respect, and serves human brotherhood as we walk the path of peace together.”
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.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth Hebrew Church, said: “Let us use this remarkable holy place to promote harmony and peace. In a world where our differences can divide us, let us say here that our shared values should exist for our common aspirations.”
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. Following Thursday’s dedication, the homes will be dedicated, after which faithful will be welcomed to practice their faith. From March 1st, visitors will have access to forums and guided tours.
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