Recently the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi UAE was inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This iconic temple has been built by Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

We would like to share the story of the temple and its construction as a way to honor the Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

The Shapoorji Pallonji Group, one of India’s leading business houses, announced the successful completion of the first Hindu temple in the Middle East which was inaugurated in person on 14th February 2024 . This significant accomplishment marks a historic milestone in fostering cultural and religious unity, and in strengthening bilateral relations between India and the UAE. An architectural marvel, the Mandir towers over the sandy landscape of the UAE.

A spiritual oasis for global harmony

It is a matter of immense pride that the Shapoorji Pallonji Group has completed another iconic project – the B.A.P.S Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The Hindu Mandir, (open to all faiths) is an initiative of the B.A.P.S. Swaminarayan Sanstha, the institution behind several Swaminarayan temples across India and the world, and is the first traditional stone Hindu temple in the entire Middle East.

An architectural marvel, the temple is on 27 acres of land given by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. In September 2019, the temple gained legal status and in December 2019 the construction was commenced by Shapoorji Pallonji, a renowned Indian construction conglomerate. Built to last a 1,000 years, the temple is a testimony of India’s culture and ancient architectural knowledge. It is constructed from pink sandstone from northern Rajasthan and marble from Italy. The building stands 108 feet tall, 262 feet in length and 180 feet in width. Over 200 volunteers from the UAE, Africa, United Kingdom, United States, India, and the Gulf dedicated more than 690,000 hours towards the construction.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir serves as a symbol of interfaith harmony, representing the UAE’s and India’s good relations to foster understanding, acceptance, and unity among people of different religious backgrounds. The temple complex includes the traditional Hindu Mandir, a visitor’s center, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, and a book and gift shop. Our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurated the temple on 14th February, 2024.

Shapoorji Pallonji have played a pivotal role in the building of this spiritual oasis for global harmony. The SP Group has continued to partner with UAE and after almost half a century of presence in the Middle East, several of their projects dot the GCC skyline. It is indeed an honor to contribute towards strengthening bilateral relations between India and the UAE.