Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi: Guide to This Unique Landmark

By Richard Hoskisson – November 2024

Having lived in the United Arab Emirates for over 21 years, I’ve often heard misconceptions from people who have never visited, such as the UAE being intolerant or unsafe. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The UAE is a progressive, forward-thinking nation built on the pillars of tolerance and unity.

The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a shining example of these values. This landmark of cultural and religious significance was announced several years ago, and I’ve eagerly awaited its completion ever since. I’m thrilled to share that it exceeded my expectations.

Whilst I do not consider myself particularly religious, visiting the Abrahamic Family House was a deeply moving experience. I wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your must-visit list when exploring the UAE.

An illuminated bench stands either side of the crescent moon, a symbol of the Islamic faith.

An illuminated bench stands either side of the cross, a symbol of the Christian faith.

An illuminated bench stands either side of the menorah, a symbol of the Jewish faith.

What is the Abrahamic Family House?

The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a unique landmark dedicated to peaceful coexistence. It houses a church, a synagogue, and a mosque, serving as a bridge to our shared humanity through knowledge exchange, interfaith dialogue, and the practice of faith.

The foundation stone was signed in 2019 by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, as part of the Document on Human Fraternity. This historic initiative underscores the belief that understanding and acceptance are essential to addressing the challenges facing humanity today.

Designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye OM OBE, the buildings are rich in symbolism. Each structure is of equal stature, size, and materiality, intentionally eliminating any sense of hierarchy—a profound lesson for the 21st century.

Whether you’re visiting to explore or to worship, the Abrahamic Family House is open to all.

Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque

Named after Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, the mosque occupies the south-west corner of the Abrahamic Family House and serves as a serene place of worship and reflection.

The sun is setting behind a large concrete cubed building, Several arches are spread across the building facade symbolizing that this is a mosque.

Symbolism and Serenity of the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque

The mosque strikes a harmonious balance with the neighbouring church and synagogue while retaining many traditional Islamic features. One of its standout elements is the seven arches on the mosque’s exterior, symbolising the importance of the number seven in Islam: Allah created seven heavens, seven earths, and seven days, and man’s creation is completed in seven stages.

Inside, the design is even more breathtaking. The ceiling features nine ascending vaults, culminating in a stunning apex that bathes the space in natural light.

A personal highlight was the intricate mashrabiya adorning the windows. This delicate latticework screen allows sunlight to filter through while maintaining the privacy of worshippers. Visiting as the sun dipped below the horizon was a deeply moving experience—the interplay of light and shadow inside the mosque was unforgettable.

The sun dips behind the elaborate Mashrabiya, which is adorned with geometric patterns which are synonymous with the Islamic faith.

Several columns arch up to the apex of the ceiling. Each window is adorned with a Mashrabiya.

St.Francis Church

Located in the north-east corner of the Abrahamic Family House, this church is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, renowned for his humility, devotion to poverty, and deep connection to nature. He founded the Franciscan Order in the 13th century, leaving a lasting legacy of peace and compassion.

A large concrete cubed building, Several column provide supports on the exterior of this building. A large column with a cross on it shows that this is a christian church.

Light and Reflection at St. Francis Church

Facing the rising sun, the church’s numerous columns are oriented to maximise the light from the east—a powerful symbol of divinity in Christianity. The vertical design of the columns also reflects central Christian themes of incarnation and resurrection.

Inside, the design is breathtaking. Inspired by the altar at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the timber battens evoke rays of light, adding to the sense of sacredness and connection.

For me, this space felt incredibly calm and tranquil. Sitting here offered a wonderful opportunity to reflect on life and cherish the people most important to me.

Pews of a church are either side of the aisle. Large windows illuminate the space .

An elaborate ceiling of wooden batons evoke rays of light.

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue

Centrally located within the Abrahamic Family House, the synagogue is named in honour of Moses Ben Maimon. Also known as Maimonides, he was a 12th-century Jewish philosopher, rabbi, and physician whose works profoundly shaped Jewish law and ethics.

A large concrete cubed building, Several columns are spread across the building facade symbolizing that this is a synagogue.

Exploring the UAE’s First Synagogue

The design of the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue thoughtfully incorporates many Jewish traditions, creating a harmonious blend of spirituality and cultural significance.

The crisscross diagrid façade symbolises the palm branches used to build a Sukkah, a temporary shelter associated with Sukkot, the Festival of Shelters. Inside, cascading bronze chainmail evokes the tent-like structure of the Sukkah, while the central skylight represents a chuppah, the canopy under which Jewish couples stand during marriage ceremonies.

Under this magnificent design, it’s easy to imagine gazing at the stars at night—a poignant nod to the connection between faith and the natural world. Visiting the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue was a special experience for me, as it was the first synagogue I’ve ever entered, and I was moved by its tranquility and beauty.

A large skylight illuminates the space below.

Large concrete columns raise up to the apex. The sky is bright blue.

Where Is It Located?

The Abrahamic Family House is located on Saadiyat Island in the heart of the cultural centre of Abu Dhabi. A stone’s throw away from the Louvre, Guggenheim and soon to open Zayed National Museum, a trip here can easily be combined with some of these other attractions.

Saadiyat Island is easily accessible by car or taxi from central Abu Dhabi. Dubai is also directly connected by highway to Saadiyat Island.

However, I strongly encourage you to make at least 60-90 minutes to fully experience the Abrahamic Family House and take some essential time for reflection.

Book Tickets Here

It is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance, which can be done here.

However, I mistakenly booked tickets for the wrong day and had no issue gaining entrance when I arrived, the guys could not have been more helpful.

Entry is free.

An elaborate Mashrabiya decorated with a geometric islamic pattern rises to the sky opposite long concrete columns.

Worshipping at the Abrahamic Family House

Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque

As you may well know, followers of the Islamic faith pray 5 times per day. The mosque is open to worshippers at each prayer time. It will be closed to non-muslims during each prayer.

⚠️ If you do happen to be inside whilst people are praying make sure you do not photograph them.

St Francis Church

The church is open to worshippers for mass at the following times;

Sunday – 12:00 (Noon)
Tuesday – Saturday – 18:30
No Mass on Mondays

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue

The synagogue is open daily to worshippers from 07:00 until 21:00.

Shoes are carefully arranged in a shoe rack outside a mosque.

What Should I Wear to Visit the Abrahamic Family House

All visitors and worshippers are encouraged to dress respectfully – I have written extensively about dress codes in the UAE in this post.

The following rules should be adhered to;

Cover the area of the body between the neck, the wrists, and the ankles.
Caps, t-shirts and other clothing articles with offensive designs, overtly political expressions or imagery, and flags are not allowed.
Do 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.

Events at the Abrahamic Family House

A wide variety of events are organized for the public. Visionary leaders and speakers are brought together to foster a sense of understanding across different communities, beliefs and cultures.

Workshops and educational programs are regularly scheduled as well.

Checking here is the best way to find the most current events.

A large archway leads to an elaborate mashrabiya. Worshippers gather beneath the window as the sun sets long shadows on the carpet.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Abrahamic Family House

Whether you’re seeking spiritual insight, cultural understanding, or simply a tranquil space to reflect, the Abrahamic Family House is a must-visit destination.

Its thoughtful design, cultural significance, and serene atmosphere make it a place where everyone can feel welcome and inspired.

Make sure to include it in your itinerary when visiting the UAE to experience a truly unique landmark that celebrates unity in diversity.