On the shores of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, a unique religious complex has quietly become a symbol of growing religious openness and interfaith dialogue in the Gulf. Known as the Abrahamic Family House, this site is home to a mosque, a church, and a synagogue — each housed in separate but equally designed buildings. Opened to the public in March 2023, the space marks a rare and highly visible step toward interfaith cooperation in a region where such gestures are uncommon.
The initiative began in 2019 following a historic visit by Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi. During his stay, he signed a landmark document on religious unity with Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb. That moment inspired the United Arab Emirates to move forward with a bold architectural project: Three worship spaces built side by side, representing Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
The project gained even more importance after the UAE formally established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020. Officials in Abu Dhabi called the Abrahamic Family House a long-term commitment to building mutual respect between faiths.
The Abrahamic Family House: Promoting interfaith dialogue
Designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, each building at the Abrahamic Family House mirrors the culture and style of the faith it represents, yet all share a common footprint. The mosque, named after Imam Al-Tayeb, features patterned screens and gray carpets that soften the space. The church, honoring St. Francis of Assisi, uses natural light and polished stone to offer a calm, welcoming feel. The synagogue, named for Jewish philosopher Moses Ben Maimon, includes Hebrew inscriptions and a sun-filtering bronze lattice.
Trump Signs Guest Book At Abrahamic Family House In Abu Dhabi
— Blue Owl (@BlueOwlHoots) May 16, 2025
On May 16, 2025, President Trump signed the guest book at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates before departing.
During his visit, he expressed his views on the significance of the complex,… pic.twitter.com/OK8U2Su8dW
Despite their different appearances, the buildings are all the same size and sit on the same stone base. Courtyards and walkways between them allow for reflection, gatherings, and casual visits by people of all backgrounds. The location is also home to fountains and shaded areas, creating an atmosphere of peace and openness.
Since its opening, the complex has served both religious and educational purposes. It hosts regular Muslim prayers, Christian services, and Jewish worship — including the UAE’s first purpose-built synagogue open to the public. In its first year, more than 100,000 people visited for guided tours, lectures, and cultural programs focused on religious understanding.
A step forward, within limits
While the Abrahamic Family House has drawn praise as a sign of progress, it also highlights the boundaries of religious practice in the UAE. Islam remains the official religion, and promoting other religions is restricted. Conversion from Islam can lead to legal consequences. These laws remain unchanged, even as the government encourages public displays of tolerance.
Security at the site is tighter than at most public places in the country. All visitors pass through metal detectors, and security guards monitor activity closely. Officials say these steps are necessary to ensure the safety of worshippers, especially at the synagogue, which is a first-of-its-kind in the Gulf.
Despite those restrictions, the complex stands as a meaningful step. For Christians and Jews in the UAE, it offers visibility and a space for public worship. For Muslims, it shows that sharing religious space does not mean losing cultural or spiritual identity. And for the UAE, it sends a message to the world: diversity can exist alongside tradition.
With non-Emiratis making up over 90% of the population, the UAE’s immigration policy has transformed it into an exceptionally religiously diverse nation. According to 2020 estimates, 74.5% of residents identify as Muslim, 12.9% Christian, 6.2% Hinduism and 3.2% Buddhism.