Devotees clear construction equipment from the temple site as part of preparations for the opening in February. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir

Devotees from across the UAE, the UK, US, Africa, Middle East and India have come to help with the preparations in the lead up to the inauguration of Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir

Worshippers spend their weekends and evenings tidying and beautifying the area surrounding the temple as part of seva or devotional service. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir

Worshippers help clean up the area surrounding the Hindu temple. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir

Worshippers say they could not miss the opportunity of helping out at the site before the Hindu temple formally opens in Abu Dhabi. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir

The temple will hold about 2,000 worshippers with the capacity to welcome more than 40,000 people daily during religious festivals. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir

From left, devotees from the UAE and overseas, Suraj Parmar, Shashikant Depala, Priyanka Lodhia and Niyanta Patel are among dozens who gather at the site to help ready it for a February opening. Victor Besa / The National

Shashikant Depala, 74, better known as 'kaka' or uncle, is among the oldest Indian expatriates helping out at the Abu Dhabi temple site. Victor Besa / The National

Priyanka Lodhia, who is visiting from Tanzania, says being part of the preparation teams has helped her find a family away from home. Victor Besa / The National

Suraj Parmar, an interior designer from Oman, describes it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai teenager Niyanta Patel says the new temple strengthens her faith and helps her connect with others. Victor Besa / The National