The construction of Abrahamic Family House, a multi-faith complex to be built in one setting on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, will begin in 2020 and will be completed by 2022, according to reports in the local media.

The design of the complex, which will consist of a mosque, synagogue and church, was unveiled at an event in New York on Friday.

The multi-faith complex was announced in February following a visit by Pope Francis to the UAE.

The contemporary design by renowned architect, Sir David Adjaye, was chosen after a rigorous process that included architects of diverse backgrounds and faiths from around the globe.

UAE promotes itself as a centre of tolerance, supporting religious freedom and cultural diversity. While the synagogue will be the first in the UAE, other official non-Muslim places of worship in the country include Christian churches, a Hindu temple and a Sikh Gurdwara.

"A reflection of the Document on Human Fraternity, a church, mosque and synagogue will share a collective space for the first time, serving as a community for inter-religious dialogue and exchange, and nurturing the values of peaceful co-existence and acceptance among different beliefs, nationalities and cultures, " according to the statement released by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.

Reflecting on this historic initiative, His Eminence Elect Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and Higher Committee member, said: "This endeavor is a profoundly moving moment for humanity. Although sadly evil, hatred, and division often make 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 good will – a world of fraternity and peace. I would like to thank the UAE for the concrete commitment shown on behalf of human fraternity."

Commenting on the occasion, Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, Higher Committee member and Former Advisor to the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, remarked: "The formation of the Committee has come at an important time and has required all peace lovers to unite and join the efforts to spread coexistence, brotherhood, and tolerance throughout the world. I am moved by this energy and determination to spread the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity to achieve security, coexistence, and peace for everyone.  I was amazed by the mutual humanity concerns that both His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, shared when they met last February; they were determined to achieve happiness for all humanity no matter the religion or nationality."

The year 2019 is being celebrated as the Year of Tolerance in the UAE.

(Writing by Mily Chakrabarty; editing by Seban Scaria)

mily.chakrabarty@refiniv.com 

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