Abu Dhabi Reveals Names Of Mosque, Church, And Synagogue In Its Abrahamic Family House
The inter-faith complex is set to open in 2022
Abu Dhabi has revealed the names of its upcoming Abrahamic Family House, a multi-faith complex coming to Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
The names of the houses of worship have been announced as the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses ben Maimon Synagogue.
The Church naming is a direct reference to Pope Francis, who came to Abu Dhabi two years ago in a very significant visit.
The project, which also includes a cultural centre, will welcome visitors to worship, learn and engage in dialogue.
Construction on the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island #inAbuDhabi is 20 per cent complete, with progress on the multi-faith complex being closely followed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. pic.twitter.com/6aeoqn3D2d
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Construction is being ‘closely followed’ by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, according to the AD Media Office.
Inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, the Abrahamic Family House embodies the UAE’s values of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. It is due for completion in 2022.
The Abrahamic Family House’s design, by architect Sir David Adjaye, captures the values shared between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, through three main buildings, including a mosque, a church, and a synagogue in one place. As such, the complex recounts the history and builds bridges between human civilizations and religious messages.
Inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, the Abrahamic Family House embodies the UAE’s values of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. It is due for completion in 2022.
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The design of the project was first unveiled by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at a global gathering in New York in 2019, during the 2nd meeting of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF). The design was presented to Pope Francis and the Grand Imam during a meeting in November 2019.
“The Abrahamic Family House epitomizes interfaith harmonious coexistence and preserves the unique character of each religion. It personifies Abu Dhabi’s vision for human fraternity and embeds coexistence into the already diverse cultural fabric of the UAE. Overseeing the development of this iconic project is inspiring and reflective of the UAE efforts in realizing the values of the Document on Human Fraternity and fostering its lofty principles. The naming of the three houses of worship recognises the work of His Eminence Grand Imam Al Tayeb, His Holiness Pope Francis, and Moses Ben Maimon, and harnesses their teachings to forge a message of goodwill for future generations around the world,” said H.E Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture Abu Dhabi and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.
As a place for learning, dialogue and worship, the Abrahamic Family House is intended to be a cultural landmark and an inspiring global symbol that epitomises the shared values of harmonious coexistence and understanding among the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The names of the houses of worship have been revealed as Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses ben Maimon Synagogue. The project, which also includes a cultural centre, will welcome visitors to worship, learn and engage in dialogue. pic.twitter.com/5TpSYqPSHG
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) June 15, 2021
The design is very intentional as well, characterized by an iconic geometric architecture of three cubes.
The structures are intended to represent the ‘unified commonality and mutual coexistence between the three religions whilst evoking the traditional architecture and retaining the individualism of each of the three faiths’.
During the design phases of the houses of worship, members of religious communities worldwide have been engaged and consulted to ensure consistency with and adherence to the respective religion’s requirements and teachings, according to Abu Dhabi’s media office.
From Esquire Middle East.