All about Abu Dhabi’s multi-faith Abrahamic Family House
If you want to see how tolerance and religious freedom create a progressive nation, have a look at the UAE! The country beautifully portrays a community where people of various faiths live harmoniously. One of the beacons of this peaceful religious coexistence is the Abrahamic Family House. This multi-faith house is a platform for dialogue and understanding between people of different Abrahamic faiths.
Here is everything you need to know about this unique religious and cultural landmark.
About Abrahamic Family House
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, announced the Abu Dhabi Abrahamic Family House in 2019.
The vision originated after Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, signed the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’ in February 2019. The document championed a culture of mutual respect.
The Abrahamic House Abu Dhabi consists of a mosque, a church and a synagogue. It is also home to an educational centre where everyone can learn about the Abrahamic religions. The multi-face place of worship opened to the public on 1st March 2023.
His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the centre in the presence of 300 guests.
The Architectural Design
Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye designed the project, mainly comprising three worship spaces. Each resembles a cube with dimensions of 30 metres in height, 30 metres in width and 30 metres in depth. The mirrored dimensions of the buildings reflect the sites being of equal stature and relevance.
A central garden, which is made of marble walkways and more than 200 species of local flora and fauna, allows guests to sit and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The main forum of the building serves as a tourist experience centre and hosts discussions, events and conferences promoting mutual respect, communication and peaceful coexistence. The plants in the site are indigenous to the UAE, while the marble is mined from the mountains in Oman.
The Three Houses of Worship
Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque
The seven white arches of the mosque’s exterior signify the seven Islamic skies and the seven days of the week. The Mashrabiyya style of Islamic architecture inspired the geometric pattern that covers the windows. It allows natural light to pass through the latticework in the design.
The Minbar, where the imam stands as he leads the prayer, is one of the five pillars inside the mosque. They reflect the five pillars of Islam. The mosque can accommodate 322 people and includes separate restrooms for men and women.
His Holiness Francis Church
Just over the church’s entrance are two pillars, representing the ascent and descent of Jesus Christ, which form the basis of the Christian faith. It bears the name of St. Francis of Assisi, a monk who devoted his life to prayer and travelling as a preacher.
The Abrahamic House Abu Dhabi church faces east, towards the rising sun and has 300 seats. Unlike other churches in Abu Dhabi, it has a cross without a human form in the middle to signify that it welcomes all faiths.
Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue
The Synagogue Abu Dhabi, which can accommodate 200 worshippers, honours Moses Ben Maimon, a famous Middle Eastern Jew from the 12th century.
You can see the Ten Commandments written in Hebrew on the white stone walls, with two gold menorahs on either side of a beautifully carved Ark of the Covenant.
There are two Mikvahs outside the Synagogue, which are ritual baths that Jewish people use for purification before prayer. A smaller synagogue for collaborative learning is located close to the main structure.
Programmes and Activities
The Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi is now offering various activities and workshops as a way of welcoming a diverse population to participate and engage.
The Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque offers programmes like:
- Young Orator Programme (ages 12 –18)
- Tahfeeth Circles (for both men and women at different timings)
- Majlis Al Thaqafi – Online: How to welcome Ramadan
Please note that these activities are not offered on specific days and times, hence it’s best to contact the mosque or the website before going.
St. Francis Church offers the following programmes:
- Mass and Prayers (noon on Sundays | 06:30 pm on weekdays)
- Ten Franciscan Words
- Little Singers of Paris choir performance
Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue offers activities like:
- Personal Prayers (Sunday to Friday: 07:00 am – 09:00 pm)
- Shabbat (Saturday at 10:30 am)
There are few workshops where participants from all three Abrahamic faiths can attend and these include:
- Cross–House Workshop: Mosaic Tile Making
- Cross–House Workshop: Mosaic Tile Decorating
Guided Tours and Events
Visitors can participate in religious services and guided tours at the Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi. Tours are available between 10:00 am to 05:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday). They are usually around an hour long and can be booked in either English or Arabic.
When you arrive at the Forum, you can meet an Abrahamic Family House storyteller and join your tour or speak to a host who can suggest a route if you wish to visit on your own.
Additionally, the Abrahamic Family House hosts various social celebrations and ceremonies such as marriages, funerals, bar and bat mitzvahs, and baptisms. If you wish to enquire about this, please get in touch at Events@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae.
FAQS About Abrahamic Family House
How can I contact the Abraham House Abu Dhabi?
To get in touch with the Abu Dhabi Abrahamic Family House:
- Contact at +971-600-565-566
- Email: info@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
- Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque: mosque@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
- St. Francis Church: church@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
- Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue: synagogue@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
What are The Abrahamic House Abu Dhabi opening hours?
The mosque opens five times for prayers daily, whereas the synagogue and the church are open from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm. Hourly tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. You can schedule the tour in either English or Arabic.
What is the entry fee for The Abrahamic House?
Whilst visitors can pay for a guided tour, general entry to the venue is free.
Is there a dress code that visitors have to follow?
The Abrahamic House Abu Dhabi requests all visitors and worshippers to be respectful in their choice of clothing. Visitors should:
- Cover the area of the body between the neck, the wrists and the ankles.
- Avoid wearing caps, t-shirts and other clothing articles with offensive designs, overtly political expressions or imagery and flags
- Not wear translucent or tight-fitting clothing.
- Avoid clothing articles and accessories that make distracting noises or reflections.
- To enter the Mosque, women of age 13 and older are asked to cover their hair.
And that ends our guide on the Abrahamic Family House in the UAE. This multi-faceted complex is a cultural and architectural shining light for harmonious human coexistence. This and other sites of religious variance throughout the country demonstrate its commitment to promoting mutual understanding and community cooperation.
It’s worthy to note that there are many other places of worship throughout the UAE for differing religions, such as St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi and the Grand Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.
The featured image is courtesy of the official Twitter account of Abu Dhabi Media Office.
