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