BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi: History of the Hindu temple, other details

The UAE Government, during its Year of Tolerance, allocated a further 13.5 acres in January 2019, taking the total gifted parcel to 27 acres

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, on the second day of his two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Located in the Abu Mureikhah district, the temple, built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is spread across 27 acres of land gifted by the UAE leadership.

In 2015, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, donated 13.5 acres of land for the temple.

In 2017, PM Modi laid the foundation stone, marking the beginning of the temple's construction.

The UAE government, during its Year of Tolerance, allocated a further 13.5 acres in January 2019, taking the total gifted parcel to 27 acres.

The design is inspired by Vedic architecture and sculptures. Notably, each of the seven spires of the temple symbolizes one of the Emirates of the UAE.

Facilities at the temple, include a large amphitheatre, prayer rooms, a gallery, a library, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, a gift shop, a children's play area, a majlis, and two community halls that can accommodate 5,000 people, are built in the temple complex.