Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 20/06/2026 20:52:00

Inaugurated in February 2024, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, set on a large site in the Abu Mureikhah area between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The temple was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on 27 acres of land gifted by the UAE president, and was opened in a public ceremony attended by the Indian prime minister. It was constructed using ancient techniques, with hand-carved blocks of pink sandstone and Italian marble assembled without reinforced steel or concrete. More than two thousand artisans carved the stonework in India before some 20,000 tonnes of material were shipped to the site in hundreds of containers for assembly. The main temple rises around 33 metres and is crowned by seven spires, a nod to the seven emirates, with detailed carvings covering its facades and columns. Beyond the shrine, the compound includes prayer halls, a visitor and community centre, a library, an amphitheatre and a children's play area. Open to people of all faiths and presented as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence, the temple drew more than two million visitors in its first year. Opening to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, it has quickly become one of the most visited landmarks in the capital region. The temple welcomes visitors of every background, and a dress code of modest clothing applies in keeping with its role as a place of worship. Carvings across the structure depict stories and values drawn from a range of cultures, reflecting the building's stated message of harmony and coexistence. A visitor centre, guided tours and food outlets support the steady stream of guests, and a weekend bus service was introduced from the city to help manage the numbers drawn to the site. Visitor numbers have stayed high since the opening, cementing the temple's place among the region's most significant new landmarks.