Pre-registration is required to visit the temple
Dubai: A majestic new Hindu temple that blends Indian and Arabic architectural designs has been inaugurated here in Jebel Ali Village, a neighborhood referred to as the emirate’s ‘worship village in U.A.E. on Tuesday.
The ‘worship village’ in Jebel Ali now houses nine religious shrines, including seven churches, the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Gurudwara, and the new Hindu house of worship.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was organized in the main prayer hall. Priests chanted “Om Shanti Shanti Om” in a peace salutation and musicians playing the tabla and dhol — Indian drums — greeted people as they entered.
“Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence & Amb @sunjaysudhir inaugurated the new Hindu Temple in Dubai. On the occasion, Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir thanked the UAE Government for their support to the 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE,” the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi tweeted.
Sheikh Nahyan was joined by Ambassador Sudhir, CEO of the social regulatory and licensing agency for the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dr. Omar Al Muthanna, and trustee of the Hindu Temple Dubai, Raju Shroff.
Over 200 dignitaries, including the heads of diplomatic missions, religious leaders of several faiths, business owners, and Indian community members were also present at the glittering opening ceremony.
The temple features detailed hand carvings, ornate pillars, brass spires, and striking lattice screens that blend Indian and Arabic architecture. By the end of the year, there will be a spacious community center where Hindu ceremonies, rituals, and prayers can take place, including weddings.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Shroff said: “The temple opening in Dubai is a dream come true not just for Hindus, but for Indians all over the U.A.E. The temple is a true representation of how we perceive religion – bringing cultures together.”
