Abu Dhabi has striking buildings that contribute to the cultural wealth of the capital. Since February, Abu Dhabi has been home to the Hindu Mandir Temple, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, where more than three million Indians reside. This magnificent building also has a unique feature: it was constructed without using steel, iron, or reinforced concrete. The site was inaugurated in February, and although entry is not free, visitors can register on the website for a visit.
This temple has special symbolism within Abu Dhabi as its inauguration signifies the communion of both cultures and the creation of a space for prayer for Indians, who make up 27.15% of the country’s total population. The building opened on February 18 and took over four years to complete, made entirely of marble and sandstone. The temple is located next to the E11 Sheikh Zayed highway, which connects Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
A handcrafted palace that pays homage to the Hindu faith in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Hindu Mandir Temple is a true architectural gem located in Abu Mureikha, with walls made of white marble and pink sandstone. Since its opening, this space attracts thousands of Indian citizens from Abu Dhabi as well as tourists who wish to visit it. In this sacred place, people pray and bless the bricks. This site featured the work of 2,000 artisans, who carved the pillars and columns of this place designed by Swaminarayan Sanstha, a company that has also been responsible for the construction of 1,200 temples around the world.
The Hindu Mandir Temple was fashioned just like all Hindu shrines, which do not require the use of steel, iron, or reinforced concrete. The experts who worked on this site used the “layered” construction technique, which involves using granite at the base, with pink sandstone added as a subsequent layer. Towards the end, marble work is done by hand for the decorations. Millions of handmade clay bricks were used in the construction, along with a total of 20,000 tons of stone, including 5,500 tons of white marble and 14,500 tons of pink sandstone.
All the details of the Indian sanctuary in Abu Dhabi.
The Hindu Temple Mandir features different prayer spaces that can be utilized by visitors while respecting the codes of this type of site. The sanctuary has a main prayer hall on the ground floor, while the imposing “shikhars,” or spires, are located on the second floor. The land where the structure stands covers an area of 5.4 hectares and was donated to the local Indian community by Sheikh Mohamed in 2015.
Like any place of this kind, it maintains a strict dress code and entry policy. To attend this space, visitors must register individually and in advance before their visit. Upon entering, they must present the entry pass with a preregistered QR code. This must contain the visitor’s personal information, which will be verified with their personal identification. Attire is also essential for attending this place, where shorts, skirts above the knee, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed, in addition to tight and transparent clothing.
