A Guide to the Abrahamic Family House

Are you fascinated by interfaith dialogue and harmony? If so, there is no better place than Abu Dhabi—a city known for its cultural diversity and worship places. In 2023, the capital city inaugurated the groundbreaking Abrahamic Family House, a multi-faith house featuring a mosque, a church and a synagogue.

Whether you are observing daily prayers, attending seminars or collaborating with like-minded people, the Abrahamic Family House is your go-to destination. Read ahead to learn more.

• Overview
• Location
• Nearby Communities
• How to Get Here
• History and the Architectural Design
• The Houses of Worship Inside the Abrahamic Family House
• Activities, Workshops and Events
• Education and Dialogue
• Guided Tours
• Booking a Tour
• Visitor Guidelines
• Opening Hours
• Contact Information
• Nearby Restaurants
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQs

Overview

Founded in 2023, the Abrahamic Family House promotes interfaith understanding, harmony, and tolerance. Set in the heart of Saadiyat Island, the destination features a grand mosque, a holy church and an iconic synagogue. It also has an educational centre that hosts different programmes, workshops and events.

It was founded with a vision that interreligious dialogue is crucial for tackling modern-day challenges. Short and simple — it is a place where Muslims, Christians and Jews practice their religions with complete freedom and respect. But there is much more to it. Let’s get into the details:

Abrahamic Family House Location

The Abrahamic Family House is on Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Nearby Communities

Want to stay close to the Abrahamic Family House to attend regular prayers, workshops and events? Live in Saadiyat Island or the surrounding communities such as:

• Al Maryah Island: 10-minute drive
• Al Reem Island: 15-minute drive
• Yas Island: 19-minute drive

How to Get Here

Visitors to the Abrahamic Family House can drive their cars or use Abu Dhabi public transport. Here is a brief on both travel ways:

By Car or Taxi

If you prefer a comfortable travel experience, book a taxi to the Abrahamic Family House. Visitors can also drive their vehicles from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other Emirates.

• Those coming from Abu Dhabi City can continue towards Mina Port. Once you are there, continue towards the Saadiyat Cultural District.
• Dubai residents can commute to this destination via the E11 highway.

By Bus

Visitors from around the Emirates can use the Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus service. This free service connects tourists from different locations in the Emirates to Saadiyat Island. In addition, Abu Dhabi residents can take Bus 94 and arrive at Jacques Chirac Street / Saadiyat Beach Gate B Bus Stop, a 2-minute drive away.

History and the Architectural Design

Let’s look at the interesting facts about the history and architecture of the Abrahamic Family House in the UAE:

• In 2019, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan initiated this project.
• The main motivation behind this project was the ‘Document on Hyman Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’. This document was signed by Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar.
• A Ghanaian-British Architect, Sir David Adjaye, is the man behind the Abrahamic Family House’s iconic architecture.
• The Arabahamic Family House has three houses of worship, each designed as a cube. These houses are equal in size, measuring 30 metres in depth, height and width.
• Designed carefully, the Mosque faces Mecca, the Church faces East and the Synagogue faces Jerusalem.
• This project is designed using sustainable practices, with most materials sourced locally.
• Lastly, this multi-faith house features a garden in the middle. It is lined with marble walkways and 200 floral species.

The Houses of Worship Inside the Abrahamic Family House

Abrahamic Family House is home to three houses of worship: a mosque, a church and a synagogue. Let’s learn more about these houses of worship:

1. Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque

Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb Mosque was named after Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. This Abrahamic Family House mosque can accommodate over 300 worshippers at a time. Like other popular mosques in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this mosque has some unique features, such as:

• Right before you enter, you will be awestruck by the seven white arches on the mosque’s exterior. This design holds religious significance and attracts daily worshippers, tourists and photography lovers.
• Next, the mosque has a Minbar, where the Imam leads prayers five times a day.
• In the prayer area, the Quran recitation echoes throughout the space because of the unique design.
• Another highly admirable feature is the Mashrabiya, a latticework design that allows light inside. It serves as a connection point to the outside sunlight.
• The mosque organises multiple workshops, events and programmes to promote religious understanding.

2. St. Francis Church

St. Francis Church can accommodate over 350 worshippers. Inside the church, two columns of varying lengths signify Jesus’ incarnation and resurrection. As part of the Abrahamic Family House, it welcomes visitors of all faiths to learn about Christianity. Here is what is unique to the church:

• The church is named after St. Francis of Assisi, a significant figure who preached Christianity to others.
• It faces the east, which is towards the rising sun.
• Another unique feature is the timber battens design that mimics the light rays and creates a visually appealing atmosphere.
• In addition to regular prayers, the church organises educational activities and workshops, including interfaith programmes and youth events.

3. Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue is the last house of worship at Abu Dhabi House of the Abrahamic Family. It is named after Moses Ben Maimon, a famous Jewish philosopher of the 12th century. The Abrahamic Family House Synagogue has a capacity for over 200 worshippers. Let’s learn about the interesting facts about the Synagogue:

• It is designed as a crisscross diagrid façade, inspired by the Sukkah built during the Festival of Shelter.
• It also features a skylight that resembles a chuppah, an important part of Jewish marriages.
• Another unique part is the Ten Commandments carved on the white stone walls in Hebrew.
• In the middle of the Synagogue, there is an Ark of the Covenant, with two gold monarchs on both of its sides.
• The Synagogue also has a mikveh, a ritual bath before attending prayers.
• There is also a beit midrash, a study hall that hosts Jewish lessons for young minds.
• The Synagogue organises different activities such as kids’ learning and Torah commentaries.

Activities, Workshops and Events

The Abrahamic Family House also hosts a range of activities, workshops and events to promote religious understanding. People from different faiths can join the activities at the Abrahamic Family House.

Please note that the activity calendar changes every month. Participants can search for and apply using the Abrahamic Family House website. Here is a brief on a few upcoming activities at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi:

Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque

St. Francis Church

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue

Special Events

The Abrahamic Family House also organises various special events such as marriages. Get in touch with the customer service team at Events@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae to plan yours.

Education and Dialogue

The Abrahamic Family House also hosts multiple seminars, educational workshops and lessons for religious and interfaith dialogue. Here is what it offers:

• Experts deliver lessons on general subjects and collaborate with leading UAE universities to organise specialised training sessions.
• It works on interfaith harmony among youth through different creative and educational programmes.
• The different houses of worship host panel discussions, seminars and workshops.
• The Abrahamic Family House also organises modern-age programmes such as The Little Innovators Journey. This programme introduces participants to cutting-edge AI concepts.

Guided Tours

Booking a guided tour is one of the best ways to learn about the Abrahamic Family House and its different houses. You can book guided tours in Arabic or English from Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. 

Please note that the tour timings may change depending on occasions like Ramadan. Moreover, these tours are not available during prayer and sermon timings.

Booking a Tour

Entrance to the Abrahamic Family House is free. However, guided tours are charged separately. In both cases, visitors, excluding worshippers, must book their tour in advance. Here is what you need to know before booking a tour:

• Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• People of Determination can benefit from priority access at the front desk. In addition, they get a free guided tour and complimentary access for one of their companions.
• Groups coming here must arrive at least 20 minutes before their booked timings to allow ample time for checking.

Booking Tickets

Book your tickets online using the Abrahamic Family House website:

• Visit the website.
• Click ‘Book a Visit’.
• Choose your preferred ‘Date and Available Slot’.
• Select from ‘Visit Only or Visit with a Guided Tour’.
• Select the number of visitors.
• Proceed with payment (if applicable).
• Confirm your booking.

Visitor Guidelines

Visitors must follow the guidelines below for a safe visit to the Abrahamic Family House:

Dress Code

As a sacred place, the Abrahamic Family House advises visitors to wear appropriate clothing and follow these guidelines:

• Be sure to cover between your neck, your wrists and your ankles.
• Clothing containing political texts, images, country flags or unethical designs is not permitted.
• Avoid translucent and fitted clothing.
• Don’t wear clothing that may disturb others with noises or reflections.
• Women aged 13 and above must wear scarves to enter the mosque.
• Men aged 13 and above must cover their shoulders and knees to enter the mosque.

Prohibited Items

Visitors must not carry any of the following items inside the Abrahamic Family House:

• Remote-controlled devices such as drones
• Wheeled items such as hover boards and bicycles
• Any illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Pets
• Any flammable liquids
• Musical instruments
• Bags above 55 cm × 38 cm × 20 cm

Opening Hours

Let’s go through the Abrahamic Family House timings for different prayers and tours:

• Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque Prayer Time:
  • Five times daily, depending on prayer times available on the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments website.
• St. Francis Church Mass Time:
  • Daily: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm
• Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue Prayer Time:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 06:30 pm
  • Sunday: 12:00 pm
• Visitor Access:
  • Daily: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
• Guided Tours:
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (closed during prayer and sermon hours)

Contact Information

Want to ask a question or leave feedback? Get in touch with the Arabic Family House customer service team:

• Phone Number: +971-2-657-5900
• Email: info@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae 
• Houses of Worship:
  • Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque: mosque@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
  • St. Francis Church: church@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
  • Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue: synagogue@abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae

Nearby Restaurants

After an all-day exploration, all you need is a delicious meal. The best part? Several restaurants in Saadiyat Island are a few minutes away from the Abrahamic Family House. Whether you are craving American delights, Lebanese flavours or healthy meals, these restaurants offer everything:

• Aptitude Café & Eatery: 3-minute drive
• Society: 4-minute drive
• AlKalime Healthy Restaurant: 4-minute drive
• Beirut Sur Mer Restaurant: 4-minute drive
• Black Tap Mamsha Al Saadiyat: 4-minute drive

Nearby Attractions

Extend your trip, enjoy the top things to do on Saadiyat Island and visit these popular attractions:

• Louvre Abu Dhabi: 2-minute drive
• teamLab Phenomena: 3-minute drive
• Manarat Al Saadiyat: 4-minute drive
• Kai Beach: 9-minute drive

FAQs

These were all the details about the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. If you are curious to learn about different faiths, participate in interreligious activities and observe prayers, this is the place to go.

Furthermore, you can plan a visit to the Grand Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

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