A majestic new Hindu temple that combines Indian and Arabic architectural designs with a strong message of tolerance, peace and harmony has been inaugurated in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Village.
The temple, which is located in a district described as the emirate’s “worship village”, formally opened its doors to worshipers across the UAE today. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance & Coexistence & Amb @sunjaysudhir inaugurated a new Hindu temple in Dubai. On this occasion, Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir thanked the UAE Government for their support to the 3.5 million Indian diaspora in the UAE,” the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Twitter.
A powerful message of tolerance, peace and harmony that unites people from different Priests chanted “Om shanti shanti Om” to greet peace and musicians playing tabla and dhol (Indian drums) greeted people as they entered. The “village of worship” in Jebel Ali now houses nine religious shrines, including seven churches, the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Gurudwara and a new Hindu house of worship. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in the main prayer hall.
Sheikh Nahyan was joined by Ambassador Sudhir, Director General of Social Regulatory and Licensing Agency for the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dr. Omar Al Muthanna and Hindu Temple Dubai Trustee Raju Shroff. Ambassador Sudhir said: “It is welcome news for the Indian community that a new Hindu temple is being inaugurated in Dubai today. The opening of the temple serves the religious aspirations of the large Hindu community living in the UAE.”
“The new temple is adjacent to the Gurudwara, which was opened in 2012. We are honored that Sheikh Nahayan inaugurated the new Hindu temple in Dubai. We thank the kindness and generosity of the Dubai government for providing the land for the temple and facilitating its construction,” said the Indian envoy. Plans to build the 70,000 square foot temple were announced in 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit Dubai.The temple features detailed hand carvings, ornate pillars, brass towers and distinctive lattice screens that blend Indian and Arabic architecture.
