How the UAE Promotes Interfaith Dialogue Among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
The Abrahamic Family House (AFH) on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi is one of the most ambitious representations of religious harmony in the world. The complex was opened in March 2023 and combines a mosque, church, and synagogue – the symbol of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism – in a single base. This project is the manifestation of the UAE vision of the tolerance and understanding of cultural differences and peaceful coexistence of world religions. The AFH is based on the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity, between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, which reflects the commitment of the country to mutual respect and dialogue in an area that was divided historically by religious boundaries.
The Abrahamic Family House: A Symbol of Unity and Respect
The Abrahamic Family House, the creation of the famous architect Sir David Adjaye, brings together 3 different places of worship, the Imam El-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, each of which was designed as a reflection of their own culture but which also shared a common base of the stone. This design was used to symbolically show the common origin of the Abrahamic religions.
In the case of the UAE, this complex strengthens its image of a diversity of religious pluralism and cultural diplomacy. As the population of the country (more than 90 percent non-Emiratis) consists of Islam (74.5%), Christianity (12.9%), Hinduism (6.2%), and Buddhism (3.2%) adherents, interfaith activity is essential. The project is also in line with the Year of Tolerance program initiated by the UAE president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the emphasis on coexistence as a national virtue.
Faith Perspectives: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism in Harmony
The Imam El-Tayeb Mosque, created in a complex geometric style and peaceful interior, displays the message suggesting the UAE that the Islamic identity may coexist with interfaith respect. It demonstrates that the Islamic state can adopt a religious diversity without losing its spiritual roots.
The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, the first synagogue in the UAE designed to be open to the general public, is a historic milestone in making Jews visible in the Gulf. It provides a place to worship, learn and community services and enhance Jewish cultural rebirth after the Abraham Accords.
The name of the St. Francis Church, which was named after St. Francis of Assisi, reflects the image of openness and peace as the architecture is bright and serene. To the Christian community in the UAE, it is a spiritual haven and a social recognition of their part in the society of the country.
World Leaders and Visionaries Behind the Abrahamic Family House
The AFH represents the harmonious efforts of international and regional leaders that advocate unity and peace. Its philosophical groundwork was established by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb who signed the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity together. The land and vision were offered by the President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who is also a continuation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE and a promoter of multiculturalism.
In 2023, it was attended by religious leaders such as Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot who celebrated it as a light of mutual understanding. Imams residing at home and also in residence such as the Imam Mahmoud Nagah, Rabbi Yehuda Sarna and Christian representatives remain in charge of prayers, dialogue and education activities that are authentic in promoting interfaith cooperation.
In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump was the first American president to visit the AFH where he praised the unity and faith of the UAE on his Middle East tour. His visit confirmed the global diplomatic significance of the site, which connected it to the current peace story applied by the Abraham Accords.
A Model for Global Peace and Religious Understanding
The Abrahamic Family House is not just a work of architecture, it is a living demonstrative dialogue. It promotes dialogue among individuals regardless of their beliefs, culture and co-existence. With the world struggling to combat the increasing polarization, the program of the UAE can be used as an example of tolerance and interfaith relations, proving that unity between diversity may be both viable and powerful.
