The UAE has just announced a project that encourages acceptance, tolerance, peace and unity – especially when it comes to religion. Having announced a ‘historic project’, entitled the Abrahamic Family House, the UAE is doing its best to unite people that live there. Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi will be the location for three places of worship in one place, recognizing three faiths: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
The first project of its kind in the world, the new landmark will allow for unity and conversation between faiths, whilst also being inclusive of all backgrounds, nationalities and beliefs. The site will also feature a museum, a central garden and an educational center, and is set for completion by 2022.
At New York’s Higher Committee of Human Fraternity last week, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and a number of Emirati officials discussed and reviewed the Abrahamic Family House. The conference also marked the beginning of the 74th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. The houses of worship of the Abrahamic Family House, as unveiled by the Higher Committee, will all be the same height – marking another symbol and message of equality.
Higher Committee member and President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, His Eminence Elect Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, also said in a statement, as reported by WAM, “This endeavor is a profoundly moving moment for humanity. Although sadly, evil, hatred, and division often make the news, there is a hidden sea of goodness that is growing and leads us to hope in dialogue, reciprocal knowledge and the possibility of building, together with the followers of other religions and all men and women of goodwill, a world of fraternity and peace. I would like to thank the UAE for the concrete commitment shown on behalf of human fraternity.”
The UAE is home to many places of worship and has always recognized and supported it’s non-Muslim citizens by allowing for a number of faiths and nationalities to be able to practice their religions, including a Buddhist temple, dedicated Hindu temples, and a Sikh temple.
