![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U7BZ5ECV5REJ3HJMB7OLLCLEVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=e06cbf5e87b5dadbff6cbecd365be4f67050f4fa47604387843269f194c902c8&width=400&height=225)
Raghav Arora shows the design for the temple, scheduled to open in October.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OSRNDINUVBBJVMYVB3OBRXP5PY.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce18f2b00190a59e83fa91722d5388df07f9bd7fd4afd9102e3d2cab325c74c8&width=400&height=225)
In Dubai at the temple site, the topping out is under way with nine brass 'kalashas' or spires fitted to the domes. Ruel Pableo for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5UAHFYUTPJCFZA7ISTOCQ5LZ64.jpg?smart=true&auth=776a565ff836a8178155ce35295ea16df05ad942f97a9869754f4164fe962a57&width=400&height=225)
Set to open in October, Dubai's new Hindu temple will have the capacity to welcome up to 6,000 people a day. Ruel Pableo for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T3XVJ6LZF5FTZH4TZZNPO7ENAE.jpg?smart=true&auth=17160128415880da3b572af25d1c5f23fce8e109e9483370a73a6dba14370d9c&width=400&height=225)
Marble pillars are being prepared in Makrana, Rajasthan, and will be brought to the site in Jebel Ali. Photo: Raju Shroff
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O336REPZRFFGNDYI7JISQNWORE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c94d76b7c626f2181772e965bb40d8bca7703cc86fe46492d4d35a0bdeb25111&width=400&height=225)
Architect Raghav Arora checks the design plans at the Hindi temple construction site in Jebel Ali. All photos hereafter: Ruel Pableo for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7X3Y4UHWDVBS3I4W3CSX2IFEMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=df67da1f9489019a35716ba29ce89524fb3bab3d8604b45dfd0787af4aa9a475&width=400&height=225)
As well as in Makrana, interior elements are being crafted in Al Quoz workshops.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/44OSTL4RUFGU7PFTJV6NMQSBPE.jpg?smart=true&auth=09d3935f1c29896e6193fc5719043f4f9f27cde6d6169e9240855cdf1ea5783f&width=400&height=225)
Glass-reinforced concrete moulds are being used in the construction.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4RNAURGSBJF3PGY7W4U7WSJ66A.jpg?smart=true&auth=8b4cead1a2e8704f28cd99b340c4f6db6f35086ea14855fdc686ecf9ca2a0b69&width=400&height=225)
The project is taking shape, is on budget and ahead of schedule.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/66B734VQDNCF7A25X6Z4LQKI6Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=41662d8bb2397dc81ece92a405016d56cd21a7fe80b3fb2ccca9e3b03996a5b4&width=400&height=225)
Interior designs and products, such as this handrail, are being prepared at DRA Product Designs Industry in Al Quoz.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7YRM3LISL5E3JNI5RMRQJQYQXM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f44db500ba4a00383a0046dc6afe45d61da0a9cdce3b1fea3bfbe5472171a4e&width=400&height=225)
Heavy wooden doors will soon be installed at the temple.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MP2UYPAVRZFFNJO3AYP3YZ5CHY.jpg?smart=true&auth=25e621653fb2a4aa1c037f7c6a001ef94bd3713c68697820f95e333d5b240a59&width=400&height=225)
Featured patterns are intended to be geometric and not all typically Hindu.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SUW3NNV5XBACPDOYYX4TTA7HJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=8444356eb675d8acf57f0da2ac2a4de168b4065b83064df9f21efef2cd4da3c3&width=400&height=225)
The facade will feature a mix of mashrabiya and Arabic patterned lattice screens, as well as traditional Hindu designs.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A2US6KI47BGSXGZAJBNUGDT4LM.jpg?smart=true&auth=98065432c710563f683151b15fb3699bc504ecb10f05a9c9288472aaed2d74e2&width=400&height=225)
The plan is that the temple provides not only a Hindu space but also a place for peace and meditation.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OB3Z4JDUBRFBLDIAME227CVEXI.jpg?smart=true&auth=347dabedcb0b02fe1f7429eb40633b57e90ddcdae5ad817e58ecfd7ca0b4dbfe&width=400&height=225)
People of all faiths will be welcome.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EGVJKKC5MRBZPEYFXD3FU7H4YM.jpg?smart=true&auth=da9e101b649ebd12153915985a6c843f5d0785a74bbef0a9dd049c0838a52598&width=400&height=225)
A view from the top of the temple at the construction site in Jebel Ali.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YEUXJP65LJGULOBMUZ5Y7JCNBE.jpg?smart=true&auth=2fe80ace4ffe055d042e2c3218a42e58e6315357502288b07fa62010d1d95f89&width=400&height=225)
Cranes will lift the completed spires on to the roof in an operation that will take a few days to complete.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J5QRBJOV3RFNPN7YSSF4FMJIX4.jpg?smart=true&auth=c43fc3a0706c8e4ea4498c93d1333bc24d350e9a74f6db93cc7c19cbc230f6fc&width=400&height=225)
Special permission was sought from authorities before fitting the brass spires that soar high above the surrounding places of worship.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EOW5J6YRJNARNJD4LJC4FG57FA.jpg?smart=true&auth=f0a16959993f9ce57d74fee3d549a00c137c247b0aa87147d4417f272c09b59f&width=400&height=225)
‘The kalash has great significance as it draws in the energy,’ says Raju Shroff, a trustee of Dubai’s Sindhi Guru Darbar temple trust.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5ZPLAOLHHJHGJDREKZILTABCRY.jpg?smart=true&auth=347d7476312eb3c23857880ec66f481c5b0842f4f1fb5a31de3def372c125e38&width=400&height=225)
The Hindu god Shiv will be the main deity placed in the central podium along with 14 others.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3QNZYPQ77FAHJI2YRQXJRKLVNA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ad9830894c74f4193ff25ab09f811ef437cf76026225988d923e555328d7f0d7&width=400&height=225)
The temple will also have a section for the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5EB2VRJ6DJHVPGT5I4EEKPV57U.jpg?smart=true&auth=1fd4393ade97b451359bdf2e9228e22f4f951fa2a511636fa401dbf9392010dc&width=400&height=225)
People have already begun visiting the temple to take photos of the structure.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7NK5IFYEQVDNNJRIDZSY4BVMFU.jpg?smart=true&auth=74fd187fed6a4ef3f3396d0b37d2236b7668f02d59927643fb51cb12f6a6465c&width=400&height=225)
During festivals such as Diwali, more than 100,000 Hindus could visit in a weekend.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OIMTPX5ESVHEXION6XQHWCHU3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=20d0c508cd9553ce6ac2b48bf23aafcaa93f44439b9c390c7f20db90489ec014&width=400&height=225)
The first floor will be a dedicated prayer space with the open terrace reserved for ceremonies where devotees can pray around a fire.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AWREU2HMGZEEZJP6K4IOGR6PNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=ecae6c38eda8ff5aa02feedbc012faa7aa07f9b5c0f9b71888f9e58226f77b24&width=400&height=225)
On the lower level, a banquet hall will be used for weddings, birthdays or condolence prayers.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SEFEA65OQ5C7ZIYLF6FZ46Z2FQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4d923ebc2ed4836cd6cee257b9696594d064962ce84400231f2a6ec677789f33&width=400&height=225)
A mediation studio and teaching area have been set aside where volunteers can teach children.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X4UFULSHUNDZNEJSLNLLHVIT44.jpg?smart=true&auth=2317b3f81c4c82e24b89674590c6c19414269def9c541754a646660faeec2a9f&width=400&height=225)
The community space is equipped with a kitchen that can cater for more than 1,000 people.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5OA2TQGAVBD6ZMC5VBJ6GMYENA.jpg?smart=true&auth=12748d0d0ce9da92e2da9e53e4300d4be2ca1880356f45454a691f60f0228ab9&width=400&height=225)
Land for the new temple in Jebel Ali was allotted by the Dubai government in 2019 and construction began a year later.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U7BZ5ECV5REJ3HJMB7OLLCLEVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=e06cbf5e87b5dadbff6cbecd365be4f67050f4fa47604387843269f194c902c8&width=400&height=225)
Raghav Arora shows the design for the temple, scheduled to open in October.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OSRNDINUVBBJVMYVB3OBRXP5PY.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce18f2b00190a59e83fa91722d5388df07f9bd7fd4afd9102e3d2cab325c74c8&width=400&height=225)
In Dubai at the temple site, the topping out is under way with nine brass 'kalashas' or spires fitted to the domes. Ruel Pableo for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5UAHFYUTPJCFZA7ISTOCQ5LZ64.jpg?smart=true&auth=776a565ff836a8178155ce35295ea16df05ad942f97a9869754f4164fe962a57&width=400&height=225)
Set to open in October, Dubai's new Hindu temple will have the capacity to welcome up to 6,000 people a day. Ruel Pableo for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T3XVJ6LZF5FTZH4TZZNPO7ENAE.jpg?smart=true&auth=17160128415880da3b572af25d1c5f23fce8e109e9483370a73a6dba14370d9c&width=400&height=225)
Marble pillars are being prepared in Makrana, Rajasthan, and will be brought to the site in Jebel Ali. Photo: Raju Shroff
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O336REPZRFFGNDYI7JISQNWORE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c94d76b7c626f2181772e965bb40d8bca7703cc86fe46492d4d35a0bdeb25111&width=400&height=225)
Architect Raghav Arora checks the design plans at the Hindi temple construction site in Jebel Ali. All photos hereafter: Ruel Pableo for The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7X3Y4UHWDVBS3I4W3CSX2IFEMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=df67da1f9489019a35716ba29ce89524fb3bab3d8604b45dfd0787af4aa9a475&width=400&height=225)
As well as in Makrana, interior elements are being crafted in Al Quoz workshops.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/44OSTL4RUFGU7PFTJV6NMQSBPE.jpg?smart=true&auth=09d3935f1c29896e6193fc5719043f4f9f27cde6d6169e9240855cdf1ea5783f&width=400&height=225)
Glass-reinforced concrete moulds are being used in the construction.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4RNAURGSBJF3PGY7W4U7WSJ66A.jpg?smart=true&auth=8b4cead1a2e8704f28cd99b340c4f6db6f35086ea14855fdc686ecf9ca2a0b69&width=400&height=225)
The project is taking shape, is on budget and ahead of schedule.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/66B734VQDNCF7A25X6Z4LQKI6Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=41662d8bb2397dc81ece92a405016d56cd21a7fe80b3fb2ccca9e3b03996a5b4&width=400&height=225)
Interior designs and products, such as this handrail, are being prepared at DRA Product Designs Industry in Al Quoz.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7YRM3LISL5E3JNI5RMRQJQYQXM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f44db500ba4a00383a0046dc6afe45d61da0a9cdce3b1fea3bfbe5472171a4e&width=400&height=225)
Heavy wooden doors will soon be installed at the temple.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MP2UYPAVRZFFNJO3AYP3YZ5CHY.jpg?smart=true&auth=25e621653fb2a4aa1c037f7c6a001ef94bd3713c68697820f95e333d5b240a59&width=400&height=225)
Featured patterns are intended to be geometric and not all typically Hindu.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SUW3NNV5XBACPDOYYX4TTA7HJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=8444356eb675d8acf57f0da2ac2a4de168b4065b83064df9f21efef2cd4da3c3&width=400&height=225)
The facade will feature a mix of mashrabiya and Arabic patterned lattice screens, as well as traditional Hindu designs.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A2US6KI47BGSXGZAJBNUGDT4LM.jpg?smart=true&auth=98065432c710563f683151b15fb3699bc504ecb10f05a9c9288472aaed2d74e2&width=400&height=225)
The plan is that the temple provides not only a Hindu space but also a place for peace and meditation.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OB3Z4JDUBRFBLDIAME227CVEXI.jpg?smart=true&auth=347dabedcb0b02fe1f7429eb40633b57e90ddcdae5ad817e58ecfd7ca0b4dbfe&width=400&height=225)
People of all faiths will be welcome.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EGVJKKC5MRBZPEYFXD3FU7H4YM.jpg?smart=true&auth=da9e101b649ebd12153915985a6c843f5d0785a74bbef0a9dd049c0838a52598&width=400&height=225)
A view from the top of the temple at the construction site in Jebel Ali.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YEUXJP65LJGULOBMUZ5Y7JCNBE.jpg?smart=true&auth=2fe80ace4ffe055d042e2c3218a42e58e6315357502288b07fa62010d1d95f89&width=400&height=225)
Cranes will lift the completed spires on to the roof in an operation that will take a few days to complete.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J5QRBJOV3RFNPN7YSSF4FMJIX4.jpg?smart=true&auth=c43fc3a0706c8e4ea4498c93d1333bc24d350e9a74f6db93cc7c19cbc230f6fc&width=400&height=225)
Special permission was sought from authorities before fitting the brass spires that soar high above the surrounding places of worship.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EOW5J6YRJNARNJD4LJC4FG57FA.jpg?smart=true&auth=f0a16959993f9ce57d74fee3d549a00c137c247b0aa87147d4417f272c09b59f&width=400&height=225)
‘The kalash has great significance as it draws in the energy,’ says Raju Shroff, a trustee of Dubai’s Sindhi Guru Darbar temple trust.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5ZPLAOLHHJHGJDREKZILTABCRY.jpg?smart=true&auth=347d7476312eb3c23857880ec66f481c5b0842f4f1fb5a31de3def372c125e38&width=400&height=225)
The Hindu god Shiv will be the main deity placed in the central podium along with 14 others.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3QNZYPQ77FAHJI2YRQXJRKLVNA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ad9830894c74f4193ff25ab09f811ef437cf76026225988d923e555328d7f0d7&width=400&height=225)
The temple will also have a section for the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5EB2VRJ6DJHVPGT5I4EEKPV57U.jpg?smart=true&auth=1fd4393ade97b451359bdf2e9228e22f4f951fa2a511636fa401dbf9392010dc&width=400&height=225)
People have already begun visiting the temple to take photos of the structure.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7NK5IFYEQVDNNJRIDZSY4BVMFU.jpg?smart=true&auth=74fd187fed6a4ef3f3396d0b37d2236b7668f02d59927643fb51cb12f6a6465c&width=400&height=225)
During festivals such as Diwali, more than 100,000 Hindus could visit in a weekend.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OIMTPX5ESVHEXION6XQHWCHU3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=20d0c508cd9553ce6ac2b48bf23aafcaa93f44439b9c390c7f20db90489ec014&width=400&height=225)
The first floor will be a dedicated prayer space with the open terrace reserved for ceremonies where devotees can pray around a fire.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AWREU2HMGZEEZJP6K4IOGR6PNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=ecae6c38eda8ff5aa02feedbc012faa7aa07f9b5c0f9b71888f9e58226f77b24&width=400&height=225)
On the lower level, a banquet hall will be used for weddings, birthdays or condolence prayers.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SEFEA65OQ5C7ZIYLF6FZ46Z2FQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4d923ebc2ed4836cd6cee257b9696594d064962ce84400231f2a6ec677789f33&width=400&height=225)
A mediation studio and teaching area have been set aside where volunteers can teach children.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X4UFULSHUNDZNEJSLNLLHVIT44.jpg?smart=true&auth=2317b3f81c4c82e24b89674590c6c19414269def9c541754a646660faeec2a9f&width=400&height=225)
The community space is equipped with a kitchen that can cater for more than 1,000 people.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5OA2TQGAVBD6ZMC5VBJ6GMYENA.jpg?smart=true&auth=12748d0d0ce9da92e2da9e53e4300d4be2ca1880356f45454a691f60f0228ab9&width=400&height=225)
Land for the new temple in Jebel Ali was allotted by the Dubai government in 2019 and construction began a year later.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U7BZ5ECV5REJ3HJMB7OLLCLEVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=e06cbf5e87b5dadbff6cbecd365be4f67050f4fa47604387843269f194c902c8&width=400&height=225)
Raghav Arora shows the design for the temple, scheduled to open in October.
Dubai's Hindu temple: a glimpse at the architectural marvel rising in the desert
'The National' takes an exclusive look at how the structure is being built
![Ramola Talwar Badam](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F5ef0cfa3-a931-4bee-a429-a6e926cfab98.png?smart=true&auth=8bd0c965d9bb14cf66195518e8cc461c939674357be28fde76d5e3597d39b95d&width=70&height=70)
Ramola Talwar Badam
11 February, 2022
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic