A Closer Look: Inside Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House


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A Closer Look is The National's show where we take an in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House is already welcoming worshippers to its mosque, church and synagogue, and from March 1 visitors can also tour the premises.

The multi-faith complex has attracted global attention for its message of religious tolerance as well as its striking architectural design.

Each building is a perfect 30-metre cube, with austere interiors, and can accommodate between 200 and 320 worshippers, depending on whether they are seated or standing shoulder to shoulder.

The National's reporter Saeed Saeed speaks to host Sarah Forster about why the complex was built, its most striking features and what a visit might entail.

Read more

What to expect at Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House

First glimpse inside Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House

Abrahamic Family House — in pictures

  • The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, is one of three places of worship celebrating the Abrahamic religions. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, is one of three places of worship celebrating the Abrahamic religions. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The synagogue's ceiling
    The synagogue's ceiling
  • The alter is inscribed with the Ten Commandments
    The alter is inscribed with the Ten Commandments
  • There is room for 200 people to worship inside the synagogue
    There is room for 200 people to worship inside the synagogue
  • The seven arches outside the Eminence Ahmed El Tayeb Mosque represent the days of the week
    The seven arches outside the Eminence Ahmed El Tayeb Mosque represent the days of the week
  • The mosque has been designed with acoustics in mind
    The mosque has been designed with acoustics in mind
  • The mosque will be open to worshippers from March 1
    The mosque will be open to worshippers from March 1
  • St Francis Church can host 300 worshippers
    St Francis Church can host 300 worshippers
  • The Catholic church welcomes all denominations of the Christian faith
    The Catholic church welcomes all denominations of the Christian faith

Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate 

Results

6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m 

Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer) 

6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m 

Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor 

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m 

Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer 

7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m 

Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor 

8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m 

Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby 

8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m 

Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons 

9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m 

Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor  

Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:17 AM
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