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

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

"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.

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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
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An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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

Aerial footage shows work on the huge project on Saadiyat Island is well under way

The Pope visits the UAE – in pictures

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

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