New Details on the Design of a Beacon for Understanding and Peaceful Coexistence, Inspired by the Human Fraternity Document

• The Abrahamic Family House Marks 20 percent of construction progress. It is due for opening in 2022
• A cultural landmark that epitomizes human coexistence and preserves the unique character of each faith

     Opening in 2022, the Abrahamic Family House (AFH) marks 20 percent completion of its development. The project inspired by the Human Fraternity Document (HFD) and constructed on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is closely followed up by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam, who endorsed the design. The whole project is supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF).

     The AFH’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 innovatively recounts the history and builds bridges between human civilizations and Heavenly messages.

     The names of three iconic houses of worship are officially unveiled as “Imam Aṭ-Ṭayyeb Mosque,” “St. Francis Church,” and “Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue”. In the vicinity of the site, there will be a cultural center that aims to encourage people to exemplify human fraternity and solidarity within a community that cherishes the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, while the unique character of each faith is preserved.

    “The AFH 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 HFD and fostering its lofty principles. The naming of the three houses of worship recognises the work of His Eminence Grand Imam Aṭ-Ṭayyeb, 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 HCHF.

     As a place for learning, dialogue and worship, the AFH will be a cultural landmark and an inspiring global symbol that epitomizes the shared values of harmonious coexistence and understanding among the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Twenty percent (20%) of the project is now complete, and it is due for opening in 2022.

     The design is characterized by an iconic geometric architecture of three cubes that evokes the features of traditional architecture and preserves its uniqueness. The structures will 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. Once complete, the final design of the three buildings will ensure there are enough spaces that offer their visitors real peace of mind and soul within an atmosphere in which a spirit of intimacy prevails. Each aspect of the design is brought to life through the architectural features and unique constructional details of the facades, the external and internal views, the columns, and the windows and vaults that reflect the unique characteristics of each of the three Abrahamic faiths.

     On February 4, 2019, His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope of the Catholic Church signed the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’ during their historic meeting in Abu Dhabi. In this spirit, the three places of worship that make up the AFH will welcome all visitors wishing to worship, learn and engage in dialogue. In addition, the complex will offer a variety of daily programs and activities and will host international conferences and world summits that feature harmonious coexistence within communities.