Photos: Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House marks 20 per cent of construction progress

The Abrahamic Family House will be a cultural landmark and an inspiring global symbol that stresses the shared values of harmonious coexistence and understanding.

Construction on the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi 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.

The names of the three houses of worship that will make up the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi have been revealed — Imam Al Tayeb Mosque, St Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. Above, a rendering of Imam Al Tayeb Mosque.

The Abrahamic Family House has been inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, signed during Pope Francis’ visit to the UAE in February 2019. Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed El Tayeb, are closely following its progress. The project is supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, an independent committee of religious and cultural leaders who seeks to promote tolerance and has been designed by Sir David Adjaye, a Ghanaian-British architect. Above, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis are shown the initial plans for the Abrahamic House, which is now under construction in Abu Dhabi.

The entire complex will capture the values shared between the Arahamic religions — Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It will also include a cultural centre that will exemplify human solidarity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The design of the project was first unveiled by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation New York in 2019, during the second 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. Above, Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.

“The Abrahamic Family House epitomises 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. Above, Pope Francis approves designs for the Abrahamic Family House in 2019.

The Saadiyat Island site is home to a church, mosque and synagogue. Above, rendering of St Francis Church.