• An aerial image released in June 2021 of the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island shows that work is well under way. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
    An aerial image released in June 2021 of the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island shows that work is well under way. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
  • A rendering of the finished interior of the Imam Al Tayeb Mosque, part of the Abrahamic Family House, on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Adjaye Associates
    A rendering of the finished interior of the Imam Al Tayeb Mosque, part of the Abrahamic Family House, on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Adjaye Associates
  • An artist's illustration of the Abrahamic Family House. Photo: Abu Dhabi Government
    An artist's illustration of the Abrahamic Family House. Photo: Abu Dhabi Government
  • The Saadiyat Island site is home to a church, mosque and synagogue. Pictured is a rendering of St Francis Church. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
    The Saadiyat Island site is home to a church, mosque and synagogue. Pictured is a rendering of St Francis Church. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
  • The Saadiyat Island site houses a mosque, church and synagogue. Pictured is Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
    The Saadiyat Island site houses a mosque, church and synagogue. Pictured is Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

First images of Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House under construction released


  • English
  • Arabic

Construction work is well under way on the Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi's multi-faith place of worship.

New images show the foundations of the church, mosque and synagogue being built on Saadiyat Island.

The names of the three houses of worship have been revealed as Imam Al Tayeb Mosque, St Francis Church, and Moses ben Maimon Synagogue.

The project, which also includes a cultural centre, will welcome visitors to worship, learn and engage in dialogue.

Overseeing the development of this iconic project is inspiring and reflective of the UAE efforts in realising the values of the Document on Human Fraternity and fostering its lofty principle

A fifth of the project is now complete, officials said, and it is due to open in 2022.

The project is a legacy of Pope Francis's visit to Abu Dhabi in February 2019.

Its design was unveiled by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, at a meeting of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, in New York.

The committee is a group of religious leaders, scholars and cultural leaders who were inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, during the pontiff's visit to Abu Dhabi.

The Abrahamic Family House's design, by Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, captures the values shared between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The complex "recounts the history and builds bridges between human civilisations and heavenly messages", Abu Dhabi's government said on Tuesday, and is set to be a physical manifestation of the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, during the pontiff's visit. The synagogue, for example, is named after Moses Ben Maimon, a 12th century Jewish scholar and philosopher.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, said the site "epitomises interfaith harmonious co-existence and preserves the unique character of each religion".

An interior look at the mosque that will be part of the Abrahamic Family House. Courtesy Adjaye Associates
An interior look at the mosque that will be part of the Abrahamic Family House. Courtesy Adjaye Associates

"Overseeing the development of this iconic project is inspiring and reflective of the UAE's efforts in realising the values of the Document on Human Fraternity and fostering its lofty principles," Mr Al Mubarak said. He added that the names forge a message of goodwill for future generations around the world.

The project has advanced rapidly since it was announced on February 5, 2019 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Its construction in the capital of the UAE – a country home to dozens of nationalities peacefully practising a number of faiths – was particularly special, said officials.

While the places of worship are the same height, the designs and interiors will be significantly different.

“This is a really special project that hits on the trinity of this Abrahamic faith that is influencing over half the world's population,” said Mr Adjaye.

"This new initiative by the head imam, the Pope and the head rabbi of the region ... for the [leadership] of Abu Dhabi to commission this incredible project to make a statement about commonality is a very profound moment."

The Abrahamic House is just the latest initiative to demonstrate the country's long-standing commitment to tolerance, said officials.

Christians were allowed to practise their faith in what is now the UAE,even before the country was formed, while Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple is set to open its doors in 2023.

The Pope visits the UAE – in pictures

  • Pope Francis arrives to speak to reporters aboard a plane on the way to Abu Dhabi. Reuters
    Pope Francis arrives to speak to reporters aboard a plane on the way to Abu Dhabi. Reuters
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai; Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church stand for a national anthem during a reception, at the Presidential Palace on the day two of the Holy See's official visit. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai; Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church stand for a national anthem during a reception, at the Presidential Palace on the day two of the Holy See's official visit. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • The landmark visit of Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi in February was an extraordinary, momentous occasion broadcast globally Victor Besa / The National
    The landmark visit of Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi in February was an extraordinary, momentous occasion broadcast globally Victor Besa / The National
  • Crowds cheer as Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Crowds cheer as Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pope Francis presents a gift to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on February 4, 2019. Also seen is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Ministry of Presidential Affairs photo
    Pope Francis presents a gift to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on February 4, 2019. Also seen is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Ministry of Presidential Affairs photo
  • Pope Francis delivers mass at Zayed Sports City on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Pope Francis delivers mass at Zayed Sports City on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
  • Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • Worshippers pray during the mass held. byPope Francis in Abu Dhabi on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshippers pray during the mass held. byPope Francis in Abu Dhabi on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • On day two of the UAE papal visit, Pope Francis and Dr Ahmad Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of the Al Azhar Al Sharif, tour Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Saeed Al Neyadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    On day two of the UAE papal visit, Pope Francis and Dr Ahmad Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of the Al Azhar Al Sharif, tour Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Saeed Al Neyadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
  • Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshipers attend mass at Zayed Sports City during the Pope's visit. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
    Pope Francis arrives at the Zayed Sports City to deliver mass on February 5, 2019. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announce that the Abrahamic House will be built in Abu Dhabi in honour of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb.
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announce that the Abrahamic House will be built in Abu Dhabi in honour of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb.
  • Pope Francis delivers a speech during the Founders Memorial event in Abu Dhabi on the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the Muslim-majority Arabian Peninsula. AFP
    Pope Francis delivers a speech during the Founders Memorial event in Abu Dhabi on the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the Muslim-majority Arabian Peninsula. AFP
  • Pope Francis speaks with athlete Chaica Al Qassimi after a reception at Al Mushrif Palace on February 4, 2019. Ryan Carter / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Pope Francis speaks with athlete Chaica Al Qassimi after a reception at Al Mushrif Palace on February 4, 2019. Ryan Carter / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Pope Francis and Dr Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of the Al Azhar Al Sharif unveil two new artworks belonging to Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
    Pope Francis and Dr Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of the Al Azhar Al Sharif unveil two new artworks belonging to Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
  • Worshipers queue to get on a bus to take them to Zayed Sports City for mass. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshipers queue to get on a bus to take them to Zayed Sports City for mass. Victor Besa / The National
  • Worshipers queue to get on a bus to take them to Zayed Sports City for mass. Victor Besa / The National
    Worshipers queue to get on a bus to take them to Zayed Sports City for mass. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bids farewell to Pope Francis at the Presidential Airport on February 5, 2019. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bids farewell to Pope Francis at the Presidential Airport on February 5, 2019. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Pope Francis waves goodbye as he leaves Abu Dhabi after his three-day visit in February 2019. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Pope Francis waves goodbye as he leaves Abu Dhabi after his three-day visit in February 2019. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Company Profile

Name: JustClean

Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries

Launch year: 2016

Number of employees: 130

Sector: online laundry service

Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding

The Lost Letters of William Woolf
Helen Cullen, Graydon House 

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
England XI for second Test

Rory Burns, Keaton Jennings, Ben Stokes, Joe Root (c), Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes (wk), Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Jack Leach, James Anderson

The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 – 1923
Editor Ze’ev Rosenkranz
​​​​​​​Princeton

Coming soon

Torno Subito by Massimo Bottura

When the W Dubai – The Palm hotel opens at the end of this year, one of the highlights will be Massimo Bottura’s new restaurant, Torno Subito, which promises “to take guests on a journey back to 1960s Italy”. It is the three Michelinstarred chef’s first venture in Dubai and should be every bit as ambitious as you would expect from the man whose restaurant in Italy, Osteria Francescana, was crowned number one in this year’s list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Akira Back Dubai

Another exciting opening at the W Dubai – The Palm hotel is South Korean chef Akira Back’s new restaurant, which will continue to showcase some of the finest Asian food in the world. Back, whose Seoul restaurant, Dosa, won a Michelin star last year, describes his menu as,  “an innovative Japanese cuisine prepared with a Korean accent”.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

The highly experimental chef, whose dishes are as much about spectacle as taste, opens his first restaurant in Dubai next year. Housed at The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will feature contemporary twists on recipes that date back to the 1300s, including goats’ milk cheesecake. Always remember with a Blumenthal dish: nothing is quite as it seems. 

FIXTURES

Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
Fri Mar 16 – Ireland v Zimbabwe
Sun Mar 18 – Ireland v Scotland
Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan

The top two teams qualify for the World Cup

Classification matches 
The top-placed side out of Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong or Nepal will be granted one-day international status. UAE and Scotland have already won ODI status, having qualified for the Super Six.

Thu Mar 15 – Netherlands v Hong Kong, PNG v Nepal
Sat Mar 17 – 7th-8th place playoff, 9th-10th place play-off

MAIN CARD

Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari

Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam

Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni

Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m