Who would have ever thought UAE would boast a mosque, a church and a Synagogue, right next to each other? Well, this too can happen in the UAE. In an attempt to promote religious harmony, a new landmark will soon be constructed on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. The Abrahamic Family House (Inspired by Prophet Abraham), will feature a mosque, church and synagogue- all under one roof, permitting people from different faiths to unite in the harmony and purity of worship. The new structural landmark was expected to open in 2022.
A Mosque, Synagogue & Church Are Set Open Under The Same Roof In Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi
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Following the historic visit of Pope Francis in February 2019, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President announced an initiative to promote interfaith harmony. And now, this incredible trio has finally been completed. The Abrahamic Family House individually named “Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque,” “St. Francis Church,” and “Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue” opened doors on March 1 2023. The slated date of operation was 2022.
Mohamed bin Zayed orders the construction of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi to commemorate the historic visit of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al Tayyeb, and to reflect the peaceful coexistence of different communities in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/WdjH5REogK
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 5, 2019
The mosque faces the Kaaba in Makkah, the church points east towards the sun, and the synagogue faces Jerusalem. Similarly, most such details would be considered while constructing this landmark. The landmark will be a place for learning, dialogue, and worship and will be open to all. This is one of UAE’s best initiatives and we truly can’t be prouder!
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UAE’s First Hindu Temple Takes Shape, Gets Hand-Carved Pink Sandstones From India
Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple has finally started taking shape! The construction of the UAE’s first Hindu temple is in full swing and Pink sandstones hand-carved by more than 2,000 sculptors have now started arriving from India. The BAPS Hindu Mandir in the Abu Mureikha area off Sheikh Zayed Road is a national project for both UAE and India.
On this, Pavan Kapoor, Indian Ambassador to the UAE said that the construction of the temple is progressing with the blessings and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“To see the amazing progress that has been made despite the times of Covid is extremely reassuring and encouraging. This is a national project, not just for the UAE, but the government of India, and it is contributing to both India and the UAE and to the bilateral relationship,” Pavan said.
On February 11th 2019, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India laid a foundation stone for a Hindu temple to be built in the capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi. Click here to read more.
This story for first published in 2021 and has been updated.
Cover Image Courtesy: Adjaye Associates