The Abrahamic Family House: How the UAE Turned Faith into a Shared Space

When you step onto Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, you don’t just see architecture — you feel an idea come to life. The Abrahamic Family House is home to a mosque, a church, and a synagogue — built side by side, each with its own story, each honoring its faith without overshadowing the others.

This project began after Pope Francis’ 2019 visit to the UAE, where he and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb, signed the historic Document on Human Fraternity. It was more than a document — it was a declaration that peace isn’t found in separation but in shared respect.

The UAE took that vision and made it tangible. The Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue each reflect the beauty of their traditions — the patterned light of Islam, the calm openness of Christianity, and the timeless faith of Judaism. Together, they tell a story of unity that feels deeply needed in our divided times.

In a world where religion often divides, the UAE built something that heals. The Abrahamic Family House is not about sameness, but understanding. It’s about seeing the divine in one another — and believing that faith, at its best, can bring humanity together.