Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates grand Hindu temple in the UAE
The BAPS Hindu Mandir temple in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a two-day visit to the country. The temple, which spans 27 acres and was built using traditional techniques, is a significant landmark for the Hindu community in the UAE.
Construction of the temple was announced during Mr. Modi’s visit to the UAE in 2018 and is seen as a symbol of the strong cultural and economic ties between India and the UAE. The temple is run by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an organization that aims to promote Hindu values of faith, service, and global harmony. It is made from pink sandstone from Rajasthan state and white Italian marble, and was constructed in India before being assembled in Dubai.
This historic event comes shortly after Mr. Modi inaugurated a grand temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ram in the Indian city of Ayodhya. The construction of the temple in Abu Dhabi will likely boost the government’s Hindu nationalist agenda ahead of general elections in India.
The UAE is home to a significant Hindu population, with approximately 660,000 Hindus residing in the country. The India-UAE relationship is also strengthened by significant bilateral trade, with Indians making up the largest expatriate group in the country.
During his visit, Mr. Modi participated in the World Governments Summit and held bilateral meetings with the UAE president. India and the UAE signed agreements to promote investments and economic partnerships, further solidifying the strong bond between the two nations.
The construction and inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi marks a turning point for the Hindu community in the UAE and reflects the enduring cultural and economic connections between India and the UAE. This significant event will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the UAE and the broader Indian diaspora.