Abu Dhabi's stunning Abrahamic Family House will be lasting legacy of historic papal visit


Chris Maxwell
  • English
  • Arabic

The Pope's historic tour of the UAE two years ago will live long in the hearts and minds of all who witnessed the joyous celebration of religious unity.

But even when warm memories of the landmark occasion slowly begin to fade as the years pass, the legacy of Pope Francis's arrival will remain.

On February 5, 2019, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, announced that the milestone visit of the pontiff and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb would be commemorated with the construction of a building dedicated to inter-faith harmony.

The Abrahamic Family House, in Abu Dhabi, was to act as a striking symbol of co-existence between people of all denominations and backgrounds.

Its construction in the heart of the capital of the UAE - a country home to dozens of nationalities peacefully practicing a number of faiths - was fitting.

As the Emirates looks back on Pope Francis' successful visit to the UAE, here is everything you need to know about the Abrahamic Family House currently taking shape on Saadiyat Island.

A house where all are welcome

The Abrahamic Family House is being built in tribute to the Abrahamic religions, drawn from the prophet Abraham, revered in Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

The three pillars of the Abrahamic religions are honoured in the form of three striking structures - a mosque, a church and a synagogue – all leading to a central garden under which will sit a museum and centre for education.

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

The development became even more pertinent last year when the UAE agreed to forge diplomatic ties with Israel.

Who designed the stunning site?

Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye. Courtesy Alex Fradkin
Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye. Courtesy Alex Fradkin

Award-winning architect Sir David Adjaye was tasked with the responsibility of bringing the multi-faith centre to fruition.

The Ghanaian-British designer said it was a "profound moment' when he was commissioned to mastermind the ambitious project.

“This is a really special project that hits on the trinity of this Abrahamic faith that is influencing over half the world's population,” he told delegates at an online session of the World Economic Forum Forum last month.

"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.

Mr Adjaye was awarded the 27th Annual Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum for being an important storyteller “of our time”.

A place of learning and worship

The latest gleaming jewel in the cultural crown of Saadiyat Island is set to be a unifying force for good.

It will be a place to learn and open dialogue about other faiths.

Within the three houses of worship, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about religious services, listen to holy scripture and experience sacred rituals.

A fourth space—not affiliated with any specific religion—will be an educational centre where all people can come together to practice the values of tolerance and mutual understanding.

The Abrahamic Family House will host a rich array of activities, including daily religious services and international summits.

When will it open to the public?

The Abrahamic Family House is due to open next year.

In a further demonstration of the UAE's values of acceptance and tolerance, the country's first hindu temple is set to open its doors the following year.

6 UNDERGROUND

Director: Michael Bay

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco

2.5 / 5 stars

MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

RESULT

Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')

Brief scoreline:

Crystal Palace 2

Milivojevic 76' (pen), Van Aanholt 88'

Huddersfield Town 0

Januzaj's club record

Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals

Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals

Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

Scoreline

UAE 2-1 Saudi Arabia

UAE Mabkhout 21’, Khalil 59’

Saudi Al Abed (pen) 20’

Man of the match Ahmed Khalil (UAE)

What's in the deal?

Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024

India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.

India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.

Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery

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