I've shared several times my escapades with my sister when she came to visit here in the UAE a couple of months back. It was a very brief visit - only two weeks. That was definitely not enough time to visit all the interesting places here.
If you're interested, I made a compilation of our visits to interesting places in Dubai. This time, let me complete what's left of our adventures in Abu Dhabi. The following has been sitting in my drafts for almost 2 weeks now. It really has to be published, one way or another, especially with what's happening here in the region.
Abrahamic Family House
The Abrahamic Family House, located at the Cultural District in Saadiyat, Island, Abu Dhabi, is a place where people of different faiths are intended to come together in one place to connect, explore, and reflect. Here, three places of worship - a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, stand side by side, designed of equal stature, size, and materiality to eliminate any sense of hierarchy.
Location: Jacques Chirac Street - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates.
It is easily accessible to the public through private transportation (ample parking available), public transport through bus from Abu Dhabi City, or taxi.
There are specific timings for worshippers, but those who intend to visit are encouraged to secure a ticket online (free). Of course, since this is a place of worship, remember to wear appropriate clothing.
Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
Upon entering the reception, we were ushered to start our "tour" with the Foundation Stone. This represents the interfaith initiative of the UAE, signed by key leaders - Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (representing Islam), and Pope Francis (representing Christianity).
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St. Francis Church
The first church we visited was St. Francis Church. Outside, there are thin columns that line the facade of the building. The off white concrete walls and columns give a very clean, simple, and minimalist feel.
Then we entered the church. It was so serene. No lights were on, yet the bright natural light from outside was enough to brighten it.
It was Lent at the time, and the altar had a purple cover. The brown wooden pews and the slats coming down from the ceiling were the only things contrasting the interior. It was minimalist, yet really striking.
A door at the side led to the baptistery. The baptistery was also very plain, yet it evokes solemnity. There were round holes in the ceiling that let rays of light peek.
I also noticed the round holes on the walls that give natural ventilation to the aisles leading to the baptistery.
Roof Garden
Around the corner, we found stairs that led to the rooftop. There was a garden and a coffee shop here, and the view to Saadiyat island.
Can you see the dome of the Louvre Museum here on the picture below?
The rooftop also gave us a more level perspective of the three houses of worship. Above, you can also see the cone-shaped roof of the baptistery.
Below is the mosque.
Here's the synagogue.
Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque
Unlike the usual mosques with minarets, this one at the Abrahamic Family house was the same cube-shaped design as the other two.
It has seven elongated arches and columns around it. There are also those intricate lattices on the walls that make beautiful patterns.
Since we were not wearing any headdresses and we were too lazy to get them from the car (we had shawls ready since after this trip, we were to go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque next), we were not able to enter the mosque.
Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue
Lastly, we went to check out the synagogue. I don't personally know any Jew, and I don't if there are a lot here in the UAE. Maybe there were a lot, since they built this here.
The exterior of the building had a criss-cross pattern of columns. It extended to the interior, including the benches.
The criss-cross design up to the ceiling is symbolic of the sukkah of the Jews, and at the same time also provides a beautiful filter of the natural light from outside.
The patterns were mesmerizing. The beautiful blend of wood and stone worked perfectly to give that aura of peace and reverence inside.
Visual Exhibits
Finally, we went back to the central forum to check out the visual exhibits.
We saw large, curved screens displaying scenes from the three religions. It was incredibly moving and informative.
We also saw a beautiful indoor water feature with words carved into the stone in English, Arabic, and Hebrew, creating a serene and symbolic atmosphere.
We left the Abrahamic Family House feeling inspired and hopeful. There is a way to co-exist peacefully, no matter what beliefs we have. I just hope this would resonate to the wider world, especially with the tensions we are having now in the region.
š The Abrahamic Family House
Jacques Chirac Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.
