Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House is ‘a symbol of hope during a time of turmoil’
▶ Interfaith complex celebrates first anniversary of bringing together Muslims, Christians and Jews
The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a symbol for a better future, a senior figure at the multifaith centre has said.
The complex is celebrating its first anniversary, after opening to worshippers on Saadiyat Island on March 1 last year.
It is home to a mosque, church and synagogue – places of worship for the three main Abrahamic religions – and attracted more than 100,000 worshippers to services in its first year.
The complex shows what can be achieved when people from different backgrounds come together, said the centre’s acting executive director.
“The Abrahamic Family House gives me hope there is a better future out there,” said Abdulla Al Shehhi.
“On a weekly basis we see the communities from the three houses of worship coming together. Each evening you’ll have Muslims, Christians and Jews sitting together in the cafe after attending the separate houses of worship.
“The centre is designed to ensure people come together. They park in the same car park, enter by the same entrance, separate to go and worship and then, when they leave, they come together again. We have never seen any conflict or tension between them, and that gives me hope for the future.”
The Abrahamic Family House was built as the physical manifestation of the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, during the pontiff’s visit to the Emirates in 2019.
Since officially opening its doors, there have been more than 100,000 visitors to Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb Mosque, St Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.
Mr Al Shehhi estimated there were a similar number of worshippers at the complex in that time too.
He said many couples have opted to get married and some families are choosing to have their children baptised in the Roman Catholic Church.
A number of events have been taking place in recent weeks to mark the anniversary. More than 300 members of the community each made a tile, to be made into a mosaic in the Abrahamic Family House garden.
There have also been performances from children’s choir The Little Singers of Paris.
And an exhibition titled Fraternal Visuals, which represents Arabic prayers from different faiths through calligraphy, is open until next Tuesday.
Community leaders at the Abrahamic Family House agreed the centre plays a vital role – even more crucial at a time when the Middle East is beset by conflict.
“The house has a significant role to help bring people from different backgrounds together,” said Yahya Alnaeti, 33, a member of the Jewish community. “It helps to bring people closer who have different viewpoints, especially during turmoil in the region.”
He said the Abrahamic Family House was very important for him and the Jewish community in the UAE. “We go to pray and attend religious lessons. It also allows us to welcome newcomers,” said Mr Alnaeti, who is from Yemen.
A community leader from the mosque said the house served as an example of tolerance.
“It’s a physical demonstration of tolerance,” said Rashid Rizgi, 38.
“It’s important there’s something like the Abrahamic Family House in the region that brings people together from different religions under one roof, especially considering the turmoil not far from us in other parts of the Middle East.”
The Tunisian German also spoke about the importance of communicating with others from different backgrounds.
“It’s important to talk. We’ve seen from history that conflicts only get resolved when people communicate,” he said.
“If that doesn’t happen, then it just gets worse.”
A member of the Catholic church at the compound explained how the various interfaith activities allowed people to broaden their horizons.
“It provides an opportunity for dialogue and to build a community of friends,” said Joao De Souza, 60, from Portugal.
“It’s a unique opportunity to bring people from the Muslim, Catholic and Jewish communities together.”