You’re standing in the middle of a desert island, but it doesn't feel like a wasteland. Instead, you're looking at three massive, identical cubes that look like they’ve been dropped from space. This is Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. One of those cubes is the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. It’s the first purpose-built synagogue in the United Arab Emirates, and honestly, it’s probably one of the most significant religious buildings constructed in the last hundred years.
Most people think of the Middle East as a place of endless friction. They assume a synagogue in an Arab capital must be some sort of hidden, underground bunker. It’s actually the opposite. This place is loud about its existence. It’s part of the Abrahamic Family House, sitting right next to a mosque and a church. No fences. No barriers. Just three faiths sharing a backyard.
Why name it after Maimonides?
Naming the building after Moses Ben Maimon—who most of us know as Maimonides or the Rambam—wasn’t an accident. It was a strategic move. He was a 12th-century Sephardic polymath who basically lived the "interfaith" life before it was a buzzword. He was born in Spain, fled to Morocco, and eventually became the personal physician to Saladin in Egypt.
He wrote the Guide for the Perplexed in Judeo-Arabic. Think about that for a second. The guy was a giant of Jewish law, but he was also a master of Islamic philosophy and Greek logic. He’s the bridge. Using his name for a synagogue in a Muslim country is a way of saying, "We've done this before. We can live together because we already did."
The architecture is actually a riddle
If you look at the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue from the outside, it looks like a simple cube. But look closer. The façade is covered in this crisscross, diagrid pattern. Sir David Adjaye, the architect, didn’t just pick that because it looked "modern."
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The design is a direct nod to the Sukkah. During the festival of Sukkot, Jews build temporary booths with roofs made of organic material—usually palm fronds. The idea is that you should be able to see the stars through the roof. This building mimics that. The bronze mesh on the ceiling hangs like a curtain, filtering light in a way that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a tent in the desert.
- The Pillars: There are seven pillars on the ground and eight above.
- The Orientation: While the mosque faces Mecca, this synagogue points directly toward Jerusalem.
- The Vibe: It seats about 200 people. It’s intimate, not cavernous.
It’s kinda wild to see the Ten Commandments etched in Hebrew on the walls of a public building in Abu Dhabi. For decades, Jewish life in the UAE was a "backroom" affair. People met in villas. They called it the "Secret Synagogue" of Dubai. Now, the government has basically paid for a world-class sanctuary to bring that community into the light.
What’s inside?
Inside the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, things get very traditional very fast. There’s a Mikvah (a ritual bath) for purification, which is a massive deal for any practicing Jewish community. Without a Mikvah, you don't really have a complete religious infrastructure.
The Torah scrolls are housed in a wooden ark. One of those scrolls was actually donated by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan himself. That’s a huge statement. It’s not just "allowing" the synagogue to exist; it’s the head of state actively contributing to the liturgy.
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You’ve got the Bimah—the platform where the Torah is read—positioned right in the center. This follows the Sephardic tradition, which makes sense given the history of Jews in the MENA region.
Common misconceptions
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is just a museum. It’s not. It’s a functioning "shul." People get married here. They have Bar Maimonides here. On Saturdays, you’ll find a mix of expats and tourists coming together for Shabbat services.
Another big one: "Is it safe?" Honestly, the security is top-tier, but it doesn't feel like a prison. You can book a tour and just walk through the gardens. The whole point of the Abrahamic Family House is "Human Fraternity." It’s based on a document signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in 2019. The synagogue is the physical manifestation of that signature.
Real-world impact
Since it opened in February 2023, the synagogue has changed the gravity of Jewish life in the Gulf. Before this, if you were a religious Jew traveling to the UAE, you had to bring your own food and find a private minyan. Now? There are kosher restaurants, multiple rabbis (including Chief Rabbi Yehuda Sarna and Rabbi Levi Duchman), and a permanent home for prayer.
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It’s also a classroom. A lot of people visiting from surrounding countries have never seen a synagogue. They’ve never seen a Torah. For them, this is the first time Judaism isn’t something they read about in a textbook or see on the news. It’s a real place with real people and a very cool ceiling.
Actionable steps for your visit
If you're planning to check out the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, don't just show up and expect to walk in the front door during a service.
- Book in advance. You need to reserve a slot on the Abrahamic Family House website. It’s free, but they control the flow of people to keep it respectful.
- Dress appropriately. This is a house of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops. Even if it's 110 degrees outside, cover up.
- Check the service times. If you actually want to pray, you’ll need to coordinate with the local community, as security protocols for services can be different from general tourist hours.
- Visit the garden. The space between the three buildings is designed to be a "neutral" zone. It's a great place to sit and just process the fact that you’re standing in a spot that wouldn't have been possible ten years ago.
The existence of the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue doesn't mean all the problems in the region are solved. That would be a naive take. But it does mean that the "impossible" is currently sitting on Saadiyat Island, made of stone, wood, and bronze. It’s a gamble on a future where people don’t have to hide who they are to live in the Middle East.
Make sure to bring a hat and water. The sun on Saadiyat is no joke, even if the architecture is designed to keep you cool.
Final Insight: To get the most out of your visit, read a brief summary of Maimonides' The 13 Principles of Faith before you go. Seeing how his philosophy of "Golden Mean" balance is reflected in the literal balance of the three buildings makes the experience much more profound.
Next Steps:
- Visit the official Abrahamic Family House website to book your entry pass.
- Review the dress code requirements on their visitor info page to ensure entry.
- Check the local prayer schedule if you intend to participate in a Minyan.