Planning ahead, we booked shore excursions at each port.  In Abu Dhabi, though, our “Abu Dhabi at Night” tour didn’t begin until 5:30pm.  On Lonely Planet, I discovered that Abu Dhabi hosts a synagogue at the Abrahamic Family house.  Further research uncovered that the Abrahamic Family House, opened in 2023, hosts a mosque, church, and synagogue.

What a beautiful place!  The history and insight shared by our guide created a warm and reflective experience. 

“The three houses of worship are designed of equal stature, size and materiality to eliminate any sense of hierarchy. The three structures border an elevated landscaped garden that becomes a shared space for gathering and connection.

The Mosque is oriented towards Mecca, the Church towards the East and the Synagogue towards Jerusalem.”

For more information about the site, click on this link.

St. Francis Church – pillars are straight up to the sky with a beautiful wooden ceiling.  “Through modern yet classic design features, the exterior columns emphasise verticality to express the concepts of incarnation (or descent) and resurrection (or ascent).”

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue – notice the menorahs set for the seven-day week.  The menorah was the symbol for Judaism at the Abrahamic Family House rather than the Star of David.  I wonder if the star is tied too closely with Israel…  “The elegant, timeless design of the Synagogue draws on the symbol of the sukkah, a traditional shelter for prayer.”

Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque – beautiful and simple with gorgeous light and design coming from the windows onto the carpeted floor.  “The Mosque’s elegant and minimalist design is made up of seven arches, reflecting the importance of the number seven in Islam.

Conservative dress with head covering is required when entering the mosque

A fountain with the creeds of all three religions written in Arabic, English, and Hebrew

Several museums are being built in the same neighborhood on Saadiyat Island.  According to one guide, Abu Dhabi is designed and developed for families with lots of open spaces and museums whereas Dubai is for playful adults.  The Guggenheim Museum is under construction.

During our Abu Dhabi at Night tour, we saw the already built Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Palace Hotel

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A woman and a child at the Wahat Al Karama Memorial.  “Wahat Al Karama is a timeless tribute that honours the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of their country.”