Dubai: A majestic new Hindu temple that blends Indian and Arabic architecture designs has been inaugurated in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Village, with a powerful message of tolerance, peace and harmony.
Located in a neighbourhood referred to as the emirate’s ‘worship village’, the temple formally opened its doors to worshippers across the UAE today.
Priests chanted “Om shanti shanti Om” in a peace salutation and musicians playing the tabla and dhol (Indian drums) greeted people as they entered.
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 organised in the main prayer hall.
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.
Ahmed Abdul Karim Julfar, director-general of the Community Development Authority, was also present at the event.
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.
Ambassador Sudhir said: “It is welcome news for the Indian community that a new Hindu temple is being inaugurated in Dubai today. The temple’s opening serves the religious aspirations of the large Hindu community living in the UAE.
“The new temple is adjoining a Gurudwara, which was opened in 2012. We are honoured that Sheikh Nahayan inaugurated the new Hindu temple in Dubai. We thank the graciousness and generosity of the Dubai Government for providing land for the temple and facilitating its construction,” the Indian envoy said.
(Indians Abroad:Press Trust of India)
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This is really a watershed moment in religious tolerance and respect among communities. I remember, as young expat in Oman during early 1980s it was impossible to go to our place of worship. Dubai is always progressive and the Sheikh has rewarded the Indian diaspora by inauguration of the temple. This contrasts starkly with the oppornents of Hindus in India as well here in UK some of whom due to their upbringing even try and attack our temples