Bur Dubai's historic Hindu temple closes - in pictures

The Hindu temple in Bur Dubai shuts on January the 3rd. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Hindu temple in Bur Dubai shuts on January the 3rd. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
About 5,000 people usually visited the temple at weekends
About 5,000 people usually visited the temple at weekends
It is the oldest Hindu temple in the UAE and is part of the Sindhi Guru Darbar complex in Bur Dubai
It is the oldest Hindu temple in the UAE and is part of the Sindhi Guru Darbar complex in Bur Dubai
The complex also houses a gurudwara
The complex also houses a gurudwara
It was built in the late 1950s since when it has been a place of worship for Hindus in the country
It was built in the late 1950s since when it has been a place of worship for Hindus in the country
Devotees are being asked to attend the newer Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali from January 3
Devotees are being asked to attend the newer Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali from January 3
Notices have been put up at all entrances of the temple stating the shift to Jebel Ali
Notices have been put up at all entrances of the temple stating the shift to Jebel Ali
The new Hindu temple at Jebel Ali was inaugurated in October 2022
The new Hindu temple at Jebel Ali was inaugurated in October 2022
Worshippers have been visiting the Bur Dubai site to pay their respects before the closure
Worshippers have been visiting the Bur Dubai site to pay their respects before the closure
January 2, 2024, will be remembered as an emotional day by many Hindus in Dubai
January 2, 2024, will be remembered as an emotional day by many Hindus in Dubai
The Sindhi Guru Darbar temple complex also housed Bur Dubai Shiv Mandir
The Sindhi Guru Darbar temple complex also housed Bur Dubai Shiv Mandir
On special occasions in the Hindu calendar the temple would receive close to 100,000 visitors
On special occasions in the Hindu calendar the temple would receive close to 100,000 visitors
It has been a focal point for spiritual gatherings on occasions such as Diwali, Holi and Shivaratri
It has been a focal point for spiritual gatherings on occasions such as Diwali, Holi and Shivaratri
The new temple in Jebel Ali promises to cater to the diverse needs of the Hindu community
The new temple in Jebel Ali promises to cater to the diverse needs of the Hindu community
Temple authorities have assured devotees meticulous care has been taken in transferring sacred idols and objects to the new site
Temple authorities have assured devotees meticulous care has been taken in transferring sacred idols and objects to the new site