Abu Dhabi: As part of a multi-faith “Abrahamic Family House” complex in Abu Dhabi, the UAE will build its first official Jewish synagogue next year and will be completed by 2022.
The New Arab with reference to Reuters reported that the multi-faith “Abrahamic Family House” complex will also include a mosque and a church.
The project was announced in February after a visit by Pope Francis to the UAE.
Dubai currently has a small Jewish community which uses a private house for worship. UAE has worked to promote itself as a centre of tolerance and freedom. It has other non-Muslim places of worship including a Hindu temple, a Sikh Gurdwara, and a number of Christian churches.
After the papal visit this year, it was announced country’s “Year of Tolerance”.
Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty International’s Middle East Research Director is quoted to have said, “The UAE authorities are trying to brand 2019 as the ‘year of tolerance’ and are now seeking to cast the Pope’s visit as proof of their respect for diversity. Does this mean they are ready to reverse their policy of systematic repression of any form of dissent or criticism?”