The Abrahamic Family House is a complex on Saadiyat Island where a mosque, a church and a synagogue share one site. It opened to all visitors on 1 March 2023 and was inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb.
What to see
The complex was designed by Sir David Adjaye. The Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue share the same height, size and materials so that no house stands above the others, and they surround a shared raised garden. The mosque faces Mecca, the church faces east and the synagogue faces Jerusalem.
Each building has its own symbolism. The mosque has seven arches on its facade and nine ascending vaults inside, and its mashrabiya is made of more than 470 hand-finished operable panels. The church's vaults are lined with timber battens totalling almost four kilometres, evoking rays of light. The synagogue's lattice facade recalls a palm-frond sukkah, and its skylight a wedding chuppah.
Getting there
City bus 94 stops at Gate B, and the Cultural Express bus runs around the Cultural District. By car, follow the satnav to the main entrance and car park, where buggies take you to the entrance. There is no taxi rank: book a taxi through the Abu Dhabi Taxi call centre (600 535 353) or app, using the drop-off point.
Planning your visit
Entry is free, but visits and tours must be booked in advance in the official Abrahamic Family House app; you show a QR code at the entrance. Arrive no more than 30 minutes before your slot, or 10 minutes before a tour. Worshippers can attend prayers every day; church masses are on Sundays at 9:45 and 12:00 and Tuesday to Saturday at 18:30. The complex is next to Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum.
Before you go
From age 13 there is a dress code: loose clothing covering you from neck to wrists and ankles, with tattoos covered; men may wear T-shirts and shorts below the knee. Shoes come off in the mosque, and women cover their hair and neck, so bring your own scarf. Photos are allowed only with a phone or compact camera, without flash, and worshippers and staff should not be photographed. Bags over 55 × 38 × 20 cm, laptops, power banks, drones and pets are not allowed, and children under 13 must be with an adult.
Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi · 24.531184, 54.405146
