1 of 8
The Abrahamic Family House, a new centre for learning, dialogue, and the practice of faith located in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, was officially inaugurated on Thursday by Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior(pictured), and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Image Credit: WAM
2 of 8
Following the inauguration ceremony on February 16, the houses will be consecrated, after which worshippers will be welcome to come and practice their faith. Access to the forum and guided tours will be available to visitors from 1st March 2023.
Image Credit: WAM
3 of 8
Encompassing three separate houses of worship – a mosque, a church, and a synagogue – as well as shared spaces for gathering and dialogue, it will welcome visitors from 1st March 2023.
Image Credit: WAM
4 of 8
The three houses of worship are of equal stature and share external dimensions, and have been designed by Sir David Adjaye, of Adjaye Associates, to respect the architectural codes and individualism of each faith. Each takes the form of a cube that is 30 metres deep, 30 metres wide, and 30 metres tall.
Image Credit: WAM
5 of 8
The complex’s central forum functions as a visitor experience centre, where an immersive exhibition will introduce visitors to the Abrahamic Family House and invite reflection on the three faiths. The space will host discussions, forums, and conferences that promote understanding, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence
Image Credit: WAM
6 of 8
The shared garden is another space for gathering, learning, and conversation for members of diverse faith communities and visitors of all beliefs.
Image Credit: WAM
7 of 8
The Abrahamic Family House will also offer a dynamic series of educational and faith-based programmes and events, as well as initiatives for young people, that promote the exchange of knowledge and interfaith collaboration.
Image Credit: WAM
8 of 8
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Abrahamic Family House, said, "The Abrahamic Family House is symbolic of the UAE’s long-standing values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence – values embodied by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed. The centre will be a platform for learning and dialogue, a model of coexistence set against the backdrop of the multiculturalism and diversity of our nation, where more than 200 nationalities live peacefully side-by-side.
Image Credit: WAM