ABU DHABI: United Arab Emirates plans to start the construction of its first synagogue by next year.
The synagogue will be a component of the multi faith “Abrahamic Family House” complex in Abu Dhabi, which would also feature a mosque and a church that will be completed in 2022, according to the Abu Dhabi newspaper The National Sunday.
The construction of the complex was announced in February after the visit of Pope Francis to the UAE. The Emirates display itself as an epidome of tolerance. It claims that it encourages religious freedom and cultural diversity.
However, the state does not all dissension against its governance and is criticized by civil society groups for jailing activists.
Although the synagogue will the first in the UAE, a tiny Jewish community of migrant workers, who are presently using a house in Dubai for private worship.
Other recognized non Muslim places of worship in the country include Christian churches, Hindu temples and Sikh Gurdwaras.
