Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed announces Abrahamic Family House to be built

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is commemorating the milestone visit of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar by ordering the construction of a new religious building dedicated to inter-faith harmony.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces is marking the history-making visit of the two religious leaders through the construction of an Abrahamic Family House.

Abraham is a revered prophet in Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Mohamed bin Zayed orders the construction of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi to commemorate the historic visit of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al Tayyeb, and to reflect the peaceful coexistence of different communities in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/WdjH5REogK

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 5, 2019

The announcement comes after Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, signed the foundation stone for a church and a mosque in honour of the visit to the country of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb.

"The new landmark will symbolise the state of coexistence and human fraternity experienced by people from various ethnicities, nationalities and beliefs in the UAE," said a statement from the government's news agency, Wam.

"It will be inspired by the 'Declaration of Human Fraternity' which was signed by His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, heralding a new era of rapprochement and amity among the different peoples, communities and religions."

The National