BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

BAPS Hindu Mandir stands in Abu Mureikhah, off the Dubai to Abu Dhabi highway, on land gifted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is the first traditional Hindu stone mandir in the Middle East and the largest Hindu mandir in West Asia. Mahant Swami Maharaj consecrated it on 14 February 2024; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the dedication the same day. The complex opened to the public on 1 March 2024.

Built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian marble, the mandir rises about 108 feet, with seven shikhars for the seven Emirates, 12 samrans and hundreds of carved pillars. Seven shrines honour Akshar-Purushottam (Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami), Radha-Krishna, Sita-Rama with Lakshmana and Hanuman, Shiva-Parvati with Ganesha and Kartikeya, Venkateshwara-Padmavati, Jagannath with Balabhadra and Subhadra, and Ayyappan. The campus also has a visitor centre, exhibitions, gardens, a food court and a gift shop.

Visitor planning is strict. Official pages on mandir.ae say the mandir is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and closed to visitors on Mondays. Ganga Aarti is listed at 7:30 pm on weekdays, and at 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm on weekends and holidays. Every visitor must pre-register individually on mandir.ae after arriving in the UAE. Show the QR pass at the gate and carry a physical Emirates ID or passport. Unregistered visitors may be refused. Expect a full security check. Wheelchairs are available on request; guide dogs and other animals are not allowed.

Dress modestly: no shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, or tight or transparent clothing. Tops should cover shoulders, chest, navel and upper arms; legwear should reach below the knee. Sarongs are sold at the front desk if needed. Mobile photos and video for personal, non-commercial use are allowed. Leave backpacks and large bags in the car when asked.

Confirm current hours, aarti times and booking rules on mandir.ae before you go, as schedules can change.